CONFIRMED: Liverpool in race to sign WONDERKID

Tom Weber

• Updated: 26 Jun 2023 20:25 BST
• 3 min read

Fabrizio Romano has confirmed FootballTransfers' reporting from May: Liverpool want Romeo Lavia.

The Southampton star was a standout player in a poor Saints team and has earned himself plenty of admirers, including at some of the Premier League's biggest clubs.

A newly-minted Belgian senior international, the 19-year-old joined the South Coast club last summer from Manchester City in a deal worth €12.3 million. Pep Guardiola has made it clear that he is a big fan of the holding midfielder, but City's buy-back clause of €40m only comes into effect next summer.

EXCLUSIVE: Liverpool weigh up Romeo Lavia move

Other clubs are also eyeing Lavia, including Chelsea. The Blues were so infatuated by his performance against them early on last term that they immediately submitted an offer despite him having only just signed with the Saints at that point. Their bid was turned down, but their interest remains.

Nevertheless, it appears that the race to sign him will come down to two other clubs.

Arsenal or Liverpool?

Arsenal have been working on a potential deal for Lavia for the past two weeks, according to Fabrizio Romano. Southampton value the player at €58 million, so he would come with a sizeable price tag attached. The Gunners have, however, not yet submitted a bid.

Neither have Liverpool, but the Italian transfer expert has now confirmed our reporting from May: Liverpool, too, are actively working on a deal. They are in the race to sign him, claims Romano.

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In late May, we exclusively revealed that Liverpool want Lavia but that they are not prepared to match Southampton's hefty asking price. Therefore, they are willing to offer youngster Tyler Morton to the Saints to sweeten the deal if need be.

The 20-year-old was an everpresent last season on loan at Blackburn in the Championship, which is where Southampton will play next term following their relegation from the Premier League.