Liverpool have reportedly seen an opening offer worth in the region of £37million rejected by Southampton for Romeo Lavia. The Belgian defensive midfielder is understood to be keen on the move to Anfield and is patiently waiting for an agreement to be reached between the two clubs ahead of the 2023/24 season as he targets an immediate return to the top-flight.
Lavia was one of few shining lights for the Saints last season as they finished bottom of the pile in the Premier League and he has also attracted admirers at Chelsea and Arsenal this summer.
But following positive talks with his representatives, Liverpool have now decided to lodge a formal bid as they prepare to wave goodbye to captain Jordan Henderson and Fabinho.
According to The Athletic, the Reds have submitted an offer worth £37m which was rejected by St Mary’s Stadium chiefs.
Instead, Southampton are asking for £50m and have told Liverpool that is the figure that must be met in order to strike an agreement.
Liverpool need to add some extra steel and mettle to their midfield ranks with both Henderson and Fabinho heading for Saudi Arabia.
Al Ettifaq are due to announce the capture of Henderson imminently while Fabinho’s transfer to Al Ittihad appears to have hit a small snag.
Despite that, Liverpool remain committed to finalising the transfer, so much so that they are now actively working on landing the Brazilian’s replacement.
Lavia dazzled for the Saints last season after displaying fine technical quality in the middle of the park following his transfer from Manchester City.
Pep Guardiola previously revealed that he had been keen on keeping the Belgium international but City couldn’t promise Lavia the game time he desires.
City do have a buy-back clause but it does not become active until the summer of 2024 meaning Liverpool do technically have a free run at Lavia.
Chelsea saw a £50m verbal proposal rebuffed for the player last August just days after he scored his first Southampton goal versus the Blues in a 2-1 victory at St Mary’s.
Speaking on the ‘We Are Liverpool’ podcast, Jurgen Klopp recently made it clear more signings are expected at Anfield this summer following the arrivals of Alexis Mac Allister and Dominik Szoboszlai.
He said: “There are so many things to do. The transfer window is open. If my day would have 28 hours at the moment it would not be a problem – I could fill them easily!
“With all the things you have to do left and right, my main focus and energy has to go into the training sessions then that’s what I do. Then on either side of the sessions I can try to help with other stuff.
“Still three-and-a-half weeks until the first game of the season. a few things have to happen before then, definitely, transfer market wise as well.
“That is clear now. And it will happen. New players have to come in. We will have a good team.”
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