Liverpool will not sign Lavia ‘unless player leaves’ as £50m price ‘too high’

Liverpool will not make a move for Romeo Lavia unless they let go of one of their current crop of midfielders, reports claim. The Reds have already spent £95million on Alexis Mac Allister and Dominik Szoboslai as they continue their revamp in the centre of the park.

According to The Athletic, Lavia’s £50m valuation is deemed ‘far too high’ and the club don’t feel there is adequate space for him unless they can offload another central player. Liverpool have an abundance of midfielders at their disposal next season.

Besides their new signings, there is also Jordan Henderson, Fabinho, Thiago, Stefan Bajcetic, Curtis Jones, Harvey Elliott and even Trent Alexander-Arnold who has been adapting to the new role for England. Both Henderson and Thiago have been linked with moves away but look likely to stay at this stage in the window.

Liverpool are willing to offload Thiago amid interest from Saudi Arabia but the Spaniard recently turned down a ‘lucrative offer’ from an unnamed Saudi Pro League side. The approach was made directly to the player’s agent but they were reportedly informed that Thiago is keen to see out his stay at Anfield instead.

Thiago has one year remaining on his deal and is happy to depart as a free agent in 2024. Meanwhile, Henderson is also attracting interest from Saudi Arabia.

He has been linked with a move to Al-Ettifaq following Steven Gerrard’s recent appointment as head coach, but there has been no approach made as of yet. Liverpool’s skipper is expected to stay due to his crucial role in the dressing room.

Liverpool admire Lavia and could still make a move for but as it stands that looks less likely. Chelsea and Arsenal are still keen on snapping up the Belgian youngster and continue to monitor his situation.

Southampton boss Russell Martin has insisted there is “nothing to say” about players future and no bids are understood to have been made at this stage.