Chelsea and Liverpool sent ‘HIGH CHANCE’ Lavia transfer message
Robin Bairner
- 26 Jul 2023 11:46 BST
- 4 min read
Chelsea and Liverpool are battling it out for the signature of Southampton youngster Romeo Lavia, with a resolution to the deal expected imminently according to football transfer news expert David Ornstein.
Lavia has been linked with some of the Premier League’s biggest clubs, with Arsenal having also expressed an interest in the 19-year-old earlier this summer.
It has been Liverpool and Chelsea pushing most intently to sign the former Manchester City youngster, and according to Ornstein, it is Jurgen Klopp’s side that is likeliest to land the player.
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The Reds have been frustrated in efforts to have a transfer proposal for Lavia, who has an Estimated Transfer Value (ETV) of €20 million, accepted by Southampton, but according to Ornstein, that could all change very quickly.
The Athletic reports that the Anfield club are ready to return to the negotiating table with an improved offer for a player they bid €43m (£37m) earlier this week for. According to Ornstein, Southampton are holding out for a package worth €58m.
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It is stated that there is an “increasing likelihood” of a deal being agreed, with Ornstein tweeting on his personal account that there is a “high chance” that the transfer will be done.
Personal terms will not be a problem for Lavia, although Ornstein does warn Liverpool that Chelsea retain an interest, with the implication that the Blues could attempt to make a late hijack of the move.
Southampton hint at Lavia deal
Lavia has remained in the plans of Southampton manager Russell Martin during preseason and played half of his side’s 3-2 loss against Bournemouth on Tuesday at St Mary’s.
After the match, Martin suggested that a transfer remains a strong possibility.
The former Scotland international said: “I thought Lavia, considering what’s going on, to play tonight and do all that stuff, it was good for him to get on the pitch as he has not had the minutes other people have had.
“You can ask for an update but I can’t give you one because I don’t know. I’m going to speak to sporting director Jason Wilcox now but I’ve been preparing for this game.”
Lavia is unlikely to be a Liverpool player by the time the squad leaves for Singapore for friendlies against Leicester and Bayern Munich, but the tendency is that the Reds will beat Chelsea to the teenager.
