Southampton star Romeo Lavia looks set to join Liverpool this summer, with Chelsea likely failing to secure his services.
According to The Guardian’s Jacob Steinberg on Twitter, Liverpool look set to secure the services of Southampton star and Chelsea target Romeo Lavia in the coming weeks.
The Saints midfielder was one of the club’s best performers last season and, at 19, is in line to develop into one of the top defensive midfielders in England. Liverpool have been after him all summer, and it would now appear that they are close to landing their man.
Liverpool have agreed a deal worth £60 million for the player, a price that is excessive thanks to Chelsea’s involvement in the whole affair. Despite a fee being agreed, the onus is now on the Reds to convince Lavia to choose them over Chelsea.
Liverpool’s season opener at Stamford Bridge was a stark reminder of the acute need for a specialist number six. Bringing one in will help them bring balance to the roster and let the duo of Alexis Mac Allister and Dominik Szoboszlai thrive in their natural roles.
The Reds could have landed Lavia for around £50 million earlier this summer. But Chelsea’s entry into the race has seen the price rocket. With time running out, it is in the Reds’ best interests to seal the deal quickly, lest lightning strike twice in the matter of a few days.
Liverpool’s new bid far exceeds their previous offer worth £46 million. While Southampton appear fine with the new £60 million price, it will amount for little unless the player gives his go ahead. Lavia appears to favour a move to Chelsea, making the job harder for the Reds and Jurgen Klopp.
Southampton have been preparing for Lavia’s exit for a while now. It was clear from their actions in omitting the youngster from the EFL Cup clash and their most recent Championship clash. While a summer exit is on the cards, whether it is to Anfield is the question.
Liverpool’s season could very well hinge on whether they can bring in a reliable number six to supplement their current options in the middle of the park. Lavia or not, there is no question that a number six is the need of the hour at Anfield.
