Liverpool have seen a £37m opening offer for teenage star Romeo Lavia turned down by Southampton, it has been reported, with the Saints holding out for £50m to part ways with the Belgian talent.
The Reds are one of several clubs keen on signing the 19-year-old this summer after a breakout season with the Saints despite ultimately being relegated from the top flight.
Both Arsenal and Chelsea are thought to be keeping tabs on his progress, while Manchester City also have a buyback clause set at £50m which comes into effect next summer.
However, it is Liverpool that have blinked first, tabling an offer worth £37m to take him to Anfield, where he would be replacing the seemingly Saudi-bound Fabinho.
Southampton’s Romeo Lavia during the Premier League match against Chelsea.
Picture : Mark Pain / Alamy Live News 2NKR45Y 18 Feb 2023 – Chelsea v Southampton – Premier League – Stamford Bridge
Southampton’s Romeo Lavia during the Premier League match against Chelsea.
Picture : Mark Pain / Alamy Live News (Alamy Stock Photo)
The Saints, who are also prepared to lose James Ward Prowse this summer, are thought to be holding out for a fee closer to £50m, though it is unclear whether a compromise could be reached in the middle.
Should a fee be agreed, it is added that ‘Lavia’s personal terms for a proposed move to Anfield will not be an issue’, with other reports claiming that he has already given the green light to Liverpool to pursue a move.
Lavia’s arrival would continue this trend, though it is unclear whether his arrival would mark the end of Liverpool’s spending in midfield in light of Fabinho’s departure.
Jurgen Klopp’s side are also thought to be keen on signing another central defender and a right back before they face Chelsea on the opening day of the new season.
