Liverpool’s Pursuit of Romeo Lavia Heats Up with Second Bid Expected
Liverpool’s pursuit of Romeo Lavia is moving quickly, with a second bid expected shortly amid reports that there is a “high chance” of completing the signing. The Reds had an initial £37 million approach for the midfielder rejected by Southampton, who had set Lavia’s value at £50 million earlier this summer.
Lavia has been on the club’s shopping list for the majority of the summer as Jurgen Klopp conducts a major overhaul of his midfield amid movement to and from Anfield. The latest news is that Liverpool are set to make an improved proposal to the Saints in an attempt to secure the teenager’s signature, with the suggestions being that there is now an “increasing likelihood” of a deal being struck.
The Athletic‘s David Ornstein reported on Wednesday morning that “negotiations are ongoing” and that there is plenty of optimism that the disparity between the valuation from both sides can be resolved. Reports from Southampton‘s pre-season friendly with Bournemouth on Tuesday indicated that Lavia looked visibly unsettled by the approach from the Reds and it appears that more progress has been made since.
Ornstein has revealed that personal terms “will not be an issue” despite ongoing interest from Chelsea, which suggests that official confirmation could follow in the not too distant future once a fee is agreed. It comes after what seemed to be a few weeks of relative inactivity regarding this transfer, with few reports indicating that Liverpool had made significant strides since lodging their initial interest.
Liverpool Looking to Secure Lavia Before Pre-Season Trip
It appears that Liverpool are now pushing hard to get a deal done before they travel to Singapore on Thursday for friendlies with Leicester and Bayern Munich as they step up preparations for next season. At just 19, Lavia could arrive with a fair amount of responsibility with the Reds having lost a number of senior midfielders already this summer and with no other defensive midfield signings imminent as far as things stand.
Jordan Henderson‘s imminent departure and ongoing uncertainty regarding Fabinho‘s future has made Klopp’s midfield overhaul somewhat more challenging as he aims to get his side ready for the new season. With Lavia looking increasingly likely to join Liverpool, the Reds will be hoping to get the deal done as soon as possible so they can move on to other targets and ensure they are ready for the new season.
Conclusion
Liverpool’s pursuit of Romeo Lavia appears to be gathering pace, with reports suggesting that a second bid is imminent and that there is an “increasing likelihood” of a deal being struck. The Reds are keen to get the deal done before they travel to Singapore for pre-season friendlies, and it appears that personal terms “will not be an issue” despite ongoing interest from Chelsea.
With Liverpool having lost a number of senior midfielders already this summer, Lavia could arrive with a fair amount of responsibility and it will be interesting to see how he fits into Klopp’s plans for next season.