Liverpool receive MAJOR Romeo Lavia transfer boost
Tom Hancock
- 8 Aug 2023 16:56 BST
- 3 min read
Liverpool’s chances of signing Romeo Lavia might have increased, with the news that Southampton have left the midfielder out of their squad for tonight’s Carabao Cup tie.
The Reds have already had three bids for the 19-year-old Belgium international rejected – with the latest of those, on Monday (August 7), worth around £46m.
Southampton want £50m for Lavia – almost three times his current Estimated Transfer Value (ETV) – and have so far held well and truly firm in their valuation of one of the few bright sparks from their 2022/23 Premier League relegation campaign.
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But does the Saints’ team news for their Carabao Cup first round trip to Gillingham offer a hint that a deal is close to competition.
BBC Sport reported earlier today (August 8) that Lavia would not be involved for Russell Martin’s side – having been an unused substitute in Friday’s Championship season-opening win at Sheffield Wednesday.
Manchester United have also been linked with Lavia, who joined Southampton from Manchester City last summer and made 34 appearances in all competitions last term.
MORE: Liverpool need a new Van Dijk! Klopp's transfer options assessed in ANOTHER problem position
Liverpool’s desperate scramble for midfield reinforcements after mass exodus
Liverpool are still looking to make midfield additions after seeing five first-teamers leave this summer – most recently Jordan Henderson and Fabinho, both of whom have moved to the Saudi Pro League.
The Reds have already brought in Alexis Mac Allister and Dominik Szoboszlai from Brighton and RB Leipzig respectively for almost £100m combined (€116m) – but neither of those players solves Jurgen Klopp’s urgent need for a defensive midfielder.
Liverpool begin their 2023/24 Premier League campaign away to Chelsea this Sunday, before their first home fixture of the season against Bournemouth the following Saturday.
