Fabrizio Romano drops update on 'concrete' Liverpool transfer target

Cameron Smith

• 23 Jul 2023 14:37 BST
• 3 min read

Liverpool remain interested in Southampton and Belgium midfielder Romeo Lavia due to Jordan Henderson’s imminent departure, according to Fabrizio Romano.

Lavia, 19, has attracted transfer interest from Arsenal, Chelsea, Liverpool and Manchester United after a stellar first season in the Premier League, but all four clubs have so far pursued other targets.

Arsenal have signed Declan Rice and Kai Havertz, who will reportedly play a midfield role for the Gunners, Chelsea remain in heavy talks with Brighton & Hove Albion star Moises Caicedo, Liverpool themselves have added Alexis Mac Allister and Dominik Szobszlai, while Man Utd have purchased Mason Mount.

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However, Lavia is still regularly linked with a transfer away from St Mary’s following Southampton’s relegation to the Championship, and Liverpool appear the most likely to land him due to Chelsea’s obsession with Caicedo.

The Reds have already lost Naby Keita, James Milner and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain this summer, and are set to see both Fabinho and Jordan Henderson move to the Saudi Pro League in the coming weeks.

MORE: 'Liverpool thought they were going to sign Jude Bellingham'

What has Fabrizio Romano said?

Romano told CaughtOffside: “Jordan Henderson to Al Ettifaq is now almost a done deal - a verbal agreement was already in place and I can now also confirm that the player did his medical on Friday night. The deal will be signed next week, so it’s almost completed - Henderson will be leaving Liverpool.

“Staying with Liverpool, they keep working on Romeo Lavia. Nothing is advanced in terms of bids or club to club negotiations - still, contacts are taking place with the player’s agents and they are trying to understand the final price tag.

“Southampton always wanted around £50m but Liverpool are hoping for a different fee. He’s not their only target, but he is a concrete one, and Liverpool are still there.”

Lavia made 34 appearances in all competitions for Southampton last season, netting one goal and providing one assist.