Southampton midfielder Roméo Lavia is wanted by Premier League side Liverpool this summer, and despite an initial offer being rejected, The Reds are set to return with an improved bid. Journalist David Ornstein reports that a £37million bid was turned down by the Championship side, but they'll need to increase this price should they want him.
Fabrizio Romano, a transfer journalist, states that Southampton want to receive a package worth £50million if they are to entertain letting one of their best players move on. Lavia is one of several Saints players linked with the exit door, as is often the case when a team is relegated out of the Premier League.
Discussions between the two parties have been going on for some time with regards to personal terms, and they were agreed a while ago, meaning it is now purely a case of Southampton and Liverpool coming to a conclusion over how much Lavia will cost. The player himself wants to make the move and return to the Premier League.
With Liverpool set to allow Fabinho and Jordan Henderson join the exodus to Saudi Arabia, it opens up spaces in Jurgen Klopp's midfield line. Alexis Mac Allister has already filled that void to a degree by joining from Brighton & Hove Albion, but Lavia would further enhance their options, and do so long time. Lavia, aged 19, is very much a long-term option in the team.
Initial contact was made by Liverpool on Tuesday, and it is possible that improved options in relation to add-ons could take the deal to a point where Southampton find it acceptable. A further twist in this possible deal comes in the form of Chelsea, who themselves are very keen on the player. However, it would appear Lavia has his heart set on a switch to Anfield.
Lavia played the first half of Southampton's pre-season friendly on Tuesday night at St Mary's against Bournemouth, with the Cherries edging an entertaining clash 3-2 on the night. Interestingly, James Ward-Prowse did not feature at all, with the long-serving midfielder another heavily linked with the exit door.
Speaking after that game, new Southampton boss Russell Martin told the Daily Echo that he was pleased with Lavia to get some minutes into his legs,
“I thought Roméo (Lavia), 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.”
Martin went on to say that he couldn't provide an update on Lavia's future, but did hint that he is preparing for life without the talented youngster, who is surely bound for Merseyside.
In conclusion, it would appear that Lavia will be a Liverpool player in the very near future. With Southampton wanting something close to £50million, and the player himself wanting the move, it would be a shock if this wasn't arranged in the coming days.
