Liverpool are readying a second bid for Southampton starlet Romeo Lavia after seeing an initial £37m offer knocked back by the south coast side.
Jurgen Klopp’s side have made the Belgian their no.1 target this summer, and are ready to ramp up talks with the Saints following the imminent departure of Fabinho, who is on the verge of joining Al-Ittihad in a deal worth £40m.
Both Arsenal and Chelsea are also 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.
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)
Now, the Times report that the Reds are ready to table another offer for Lavia, one which is ‘nearer to Southampton’s £50 million asking price’ of £50m.
However, they add that they ‘have been reluctant to meet the £50 million threshold for the 19-year-old Belgium international and it remains to be seen whether a compromise can be reached with Southampton.’
There is hope from Jurgen Klopp’s side that a deal can be concluded ahead of the start of the new season.
Should it go through, the move will leave Liverpool able to field a fully new-look midfield against Chelsea on the opening day of the season, having already signed Alexis Mac Allister and Dominik Szoboszlai in deals worth a combined £100m this summer.
However, the Blues are also thought to be keen on signing Lavia after seeing four bids rejected for Caicedo, and a bidding war could serve to drive up the price, with Mauricio Pochettino’s side desperate for a new midfielder before the new campaign.
