Liverpool Edging Closer to Deal for Romeo Lavia
Liverpool are edging closer to a deal for Romeo Lavia, with the midfielder reportedly giving the “green light” and talks ongoing with Southampton. The Reds are looking to bolster their midfield following the shock departures of Fabinho and Jordan Henderson, and Lavia is the top target.
Background
Links between Liverpool and Lavia first emerged in May, with Sky Germany’s Florian Plettenberg reporting that “concrete” talks were taking place with the player’s representatives. Now, Plettenberg has brought an update, claiming that the 19-year-old “wants to join” and has “given the green light” over a switch. This has led to “concrete negotiations” between Liverpool and Southampton, though no agreement has been reached yet.
Liverpool’s Need for Midfield Reinforcements
The need for midfield reinforcements is clear, with Liverpool having to weigh up their options in the wake of Henderson and Fabinho’s departures. Around £52 million is expected to be brought in from their sales, while significant wages have been freed up not only with their exits but also those of Roberto Firmino, James Milner, Naby Keita and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain.
Lavia’s Value and Other Options
Lavia is valued at “around £50 million”, though Liverpool are described as “the top favourite” to sign him as “Klopp wants him”. If a deal is completed, it is likely that another signing will follow, with Crystal Palace’s Cheick Doucoure, Fulham’s Joao Palhinha and Aston Villa’s Boubacar Kamara among the other names to have been touted with moves to Merseyside.
Conclusion
It appears that Liverpool are edging closer to a deal for Romeo Lavia, with the midfielder reportedly giving the “green light” and talks ongoing with Southampton. The Reds are looking to bolster their midfield following the shock departures of Fabinho and Jordan Henderson, and Lavia is the top target. If a deal is completed, it is likely that another signing will follow, with Crystal Palace’s Cheick Doucoure, Fulham’s Joao Palhinha and Aston Villa’s Boubacar Kamara among the other names to have been touted with moves to Merseyside.