Liverpool Face Premier League Competition for Romeo Lavia

Liverpool have been in pursuit of Southampton midfielder Romeo Lavia throughout the summer, having had three bids rejected so far, the third of which being worth up to £46 million. Talks have continued to stall over a deal to sign the player, and now the Reds are facing Premier League competition for his signature.

Lavia Left Out of Southampton Squad

Lavia was not included in the Saints’ matchday squad for their EFL Cup clash against Gillingham on Tuesday, with reports indicating that he was hoping to complete a move to Anfield imminently. Southampton look to be standing firm on their £50 million valuation of the player, but Chelsea have now entered the frame with The Athletic’s David Ornstein reporting that a £48 million offer was submitted on Wednesday night.

Chelsea Entering the Frame

Chelsea themselves have been embroiled in a lengthy pursuit of Brighton’s Moises Caicedo this summer, with the Guardian now reporting that Mauricio Pochettino’s side are hopeful of bringing both midfielders to Stamford Bridge this summer. It leaves Liverpool needing a quick response if they are to secure the Belgian this summer, with a very real risk emerging that he could now move to a Premier League rival.

The slow progression of the negotiations has provided Chelsea with the encouragement to make their move, with the Blues seeing Lavia as an option on top of Caicedo rather than as an alternative. Southampton have been resolute in holding out for their £50 million asking price this summer, but Chelsea‘s bid is the closest anyone has come to matching that figure so far in the window.

Liverpool Short in Midfield

The competition for Lavia’s signature comes as a blow to the Reds, who are still without a recognised defensive midfielder in the squad following Fabinho’s departure last month. Liverpool travel to Chelsea this Sunday for the opening game of their Premier League season having signed just two midfielders in the transfer window so far and with James Milner, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, Naby Keita, Fabinho and Jordan Henderson all having moved on.

Whether Liverpool are able to complete a deal for Lavia remains to be seen, but the manner with which negotiations have stalled has left the squad short and appear to have elicited interest from elsewhere.

Conclusion

Liverpool have been in pursuit of Romeo Lavia throughout the summer, but talks have stalled and now they face Premier League competition for his signature. Chelsea have entered the frame with a £48 million offer, and Southampton have been resolute in holding out for their £50 million asking price. With Liverpool still without a recognised defensive midfielder following Fabinho’s departure last month, they need a quick response if they are to secure Lavia’s signature before Sunday’s opening game of their Premier League season.