Liverpool 'step up pursuit' of midfield WONDERKID
Tom Weber
- 31 Jul 2023 12:42 BST
- 3 min read
Liverpool will 'step up' their pursuit of Romeo Lavia, according to a report.
The Belgian youngster has been linked with the Reds for months. Indeed, FootballTransfers exclusively broke the news of Jurgen Klopp's admiration for the Southampton midfielder at the start of the year, and this admiration has not dissipated since.
On the contrary, Liverpool's interest has only become more concrete in recent weeks following the departure of Jordan Henderson and considering the expected exit of Fabinho. Lavia would complete the Reds' midfield revolution after the already-confirmed acquisitions of Alexis Mac Allister and Dominik Szoboszlai for a sizeable outlay of €112 million.
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The Saints have thus far rebuffed Liverpool's approaches, rejecting an offer of £34m plus £4m in add-ons (€40m + €5m) last week, because they are holding out for £50m, but the Reds have been keen to press ahead with the transfer.
Second bid incoming
Indeed, according to reliable Times journalist Paul Joyce, Liverpool will make a second bid for the 19-year-old. This one, he reports, will be closer to Southampton's asking price, though Liverpool remain reluctant to match it outright given that they have already splashed the cash this window.
Joyce did not mention a specific fee, but Fabrizio Romano claims that it will be around £45m, with £42.5m upfront. The Italian transfer expert previously reported that Liverpool want to be fast to get a deal over the line because of Chelsea's interest, but they can be more relaxed now as the Blues may have moved on from Lavia due to their agreeing a deal for Stade Rennais midfielder Lesley Ugochukwu.
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Whether Southampton will accept this latest Liverpool offer remains to be seen, but it is clear that it will be incredibly tough for the relegated Saints to keep hold of their star players this summer. Lavia and the likes of James Ward-Prowse and Mohammed Salisu are all expected to head for the exit ahead of Southampton's season in the Championship.
