EXCLUSIVE: Liverpool receive positive indications from Lavia

Jacque Talbot

Updated: 5 Jul 2023 10:45 BST
3 min read

Romeo Lavia plays for Southampton — © ProShots

Liverpool have received positive indications from Romeo Lavia that he would like to play under Jurgen Klopp but the £ 50 million fee that Southampton have stuck on their midfielder means that the Reds are prepared to play the long game.

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We revealed the Reds’ interest in Lavia back in March and the fact that Southampton want a substantial amount for the teenager owing to the fact that Manchester City have a buyback clause of £40m that will come into effect next year.

Lavia, who is also admired by Chelsea, enjoyed a phenomenal campaign last term despite his current side’s relegation to the Championship.

The player’s agency has huge ties to Arsenal and clubs in London but we understand that the 19-year-old’s desire is to join Liverpool after a conversation with Jurgen Klopp.

Thiago is of interest in the Saudi Pro League and, with a year left on his deal, it's thought that his departure could see Liverpool make a move for Lavia, with the wage bill being freed up.

Liverpool - you might hear Southampton’s Roméo Lavia linked soon and it wouldn’t be far wrong
— Jacque Talbot (@jac_talbot) March 30, 2023

We revealed the club’s interest in Khephren Thuram back in January. In May, we were told that personal terms were verbally agreed between Liverpool and the Frenchman. No proposal was forthcoming from Klopp’s side, however, while Nice wanted other clubs to come to the table in a bid to draw out a saga.

Liverpool have briefed that they have moved on to other targets after pushing ahead with the signing of Dominik Szoboszlai from RB Leipzig - the Hungarian attacker was also of interest to Newcastle as well, but the Magpies wanted to wait until his release clause expired before making a bid.

Liverpool move on from Thuram

Lavia would likely come at a higher cost than Thuram, who could move on from the Ligue 1 side for as little as £38m, dependent on the level of interested clubs.

Liverpool have made two additions to their side now, with Alexis Mac Allister joining from Brighton earlier in the window.

We are told that the focus will be on a centre-back and another midfielder. The club have also been monitoring Bradley Barcola of Lyon as a future replacement to Mohamed Salah, but it’s not clear whether a move will be made for the 20-year-old this summer window or in subsequent ones.