Liverpool are set to make an improved offer for Romeo Lavia – but must match Southampton’s £50million asking price, talkSPORT understands.
The Reds recently had an opening bid of £35m plus add-ons rejected by the Saints for the 19-year-old.
2
Jurgen Klopp has eyed up the teenager as a priority signing as he looks to make a complete overhaul of his midfield.
And they are ready to test the south coast outfit’s resolve of the Belgium international once again with a second offer.
But Russell Martin’s side value the ex-Manchester City academy star at £50m, and will not budge on their demands.
Liverpool could aim a little lower than the asking price, and make up the difference with performance-based add-ons to get a deal over the line.
Despite the £50m asking price, talkSPORT understands that Liverpool are confident at securing his services.
Lavia played in Southampton’s pre-season friendly defeat against Bournemouth on Tuesday as he currently prepares for life in the Championship.
But it is believed that he is keen on a switch to Anfield, where he could play alongside summer recruits Alexis Mac Allister and Dominik Szoboszlai in a new-look Liverpool midfield.
Along with Liverpool, London rivals Arsenal and Chelsea have also been credited with an interest in Lavia.
2
And Saints boss Martin has admitted that the transfer saga is getting to the player’s head.
Speaking after the Bournemouth clash, he said: “The transfer window should close before the start of the season – it’s ridiculous in my opinion and certainly not helpful.
“We’re a club that has been relegated and has a lot of talent that people are attracted to, but we’ll prepare as if they will be here because we have to.
“There’s no guarantee that anyone will leave, it’s a lot of work with 27 players or whatever but we’ll give everyone a chance to get on the pitch.
“I thought Romeo, considering what’s going on, to play tonight and do all that stuff, it was good for him to get on the pitch as he has not had the minutes other people have had.
“You can ask for an update, but I can’t give you one because I don’t know.
“I’m going to speak to (sporting director) Jason (Wilcox) now but I’ve been preparing for this game.”
He added: “Romeo has a lot in his head.”
