Liverpool set for 'surprise' rival in race to sign Lavia
Cameron Smith
- 31 Jul 2023 17:04 BST
- 3 min read
Manchester United remain interested in signing Southampton midfielder Romeo Lavia and are deemed to be the ‘surprise element still in the mix’ to sign the Belgian, according to the Daily Mail.
The Red Devils have pinned their focus on other targets this summer, with Lavia put to the back-burner all window. Deals for Mason Mount and Andre Onana were soon agreed, while an agreement has now been reached with Atalanta for Danish sensation Rasmus Hojlund.
Erik ten Hag has also added the experienced Jonny Evans to his ranks, with Harry Maguire’s future still unknown amid interest from West Ham United.
MORE: Premier League 2023/24 summer transfers: All the Done Deals
Furthermore, Fabrizio Romano has revealed that Everton’s Jarrad Branthwaite and Nice’s Jean-Clair Todibo are both being watched by Man Utd, who appear to have missed out on Axel Disasi to Chelsea. The AS Monaco star was previously wanted by the Red Devils.
Now, Ten Hag’s side are back in for Lavia, who they have been neglecting for much of this summer.
According to the Daily Mail: “Southampton expect a big week regarding Romeo Lavia. Liverpool, armed with cash from the sales of Fabinho and Jordan Henderson, will make an improved bid while Chelsea have maintained contact too.
MORE: Romeo Lavia is set to make the WRONG transfer decision
“A foreign club and Manchester United are the surprise elements still in the mix. United would have to sell first while Sofyan Amrabat at around £25 million is a much cheaper and ready-made option.”
Lavia to Liverpool?
Southampton’s asking price for Lavia remains at £50m, and while Liverpool remain the favourites, Jurgen Klopp’s side have not yet submitted a bid deemed acceptable by the Saints.
Liverpool have seen multiple midfield departures this summer, with Jordan Henderson, Naby Keita, James Milner and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain all leaving.
Fabinho could also join them, while only Alexis Mac Allister and Dominik Szoboszlai have arrived.
Lavia is reportedly seen as a potential replacement for Fabinho, although the Brazilian’s proposed move to Al-Ittihad has not yet been completed yet. However, Fabrizio Romano has reported that an agreement is close to being made, while the former Monaco man has been authorised to travel to Saudi Arabia to undergo his medical.
