Liverpool have been in direct contact with Southampton over the potential signing of Romeo Lavia.
That’s according to journalist Fabrizio Romano. Speaking on The Debrief podcast, the transfer expert said that although no official bid is imminent, Liverpool have started to make their efforts to sign Lavia a little more concrete.
“Southampton want around £50m for Romeo Lavia. But from what I’m hearing, Liverpool in the recent days had some direct contacts on both club and player’s side to explore conditions of the deal,” Romano explained.
“It’s not time for a bid yet, it’s more time to have internal discussions before attacking any situation for a new midfielder. But they are well informed on Lavia.”
That sounds promising!
Liverpool face Lavia competition
According to Romano, the Reds aren’t the only side interested in Lavia, though. Arsenal and Chelsea are also seemingly ready to fight to sign him. However, the journalist suggested that Liverpool may be leading the race.
“They [Liverpool] know that also Arsenal are there, but for Arsenal it depends on Thomas Partey,” Romano continued. “They are working on the potential exit of Partey, but it’s not that easy.
“For Chelsea they have Joe Shields, who is one of the directors who had Lavia at Southampton and of course at Manchester city.
“So, the connection is very good. But at the same time, Chelsea are busy with Moises Caciedo. So this is why Liverpool feel this could be a race with Arsenal, and Romeo Lavia is one of the players they have in the list, for sure.”
Right then. It looks as though if Liverpool are to sign another midfielder this summer, it’s going to be this young man. Khephren Thuram had looked like the other player most likely to be brought in. But reports this morning suggest that the Reds have now ended their interest in the Frenchman.
Claims have also come in that nothing further will be pursued with Bayern Munich’s Ryan Gravenberch. As of this morning, Lavia’s is now the only name solidly in the frame.
With other interest in the Belgian also emerging though, this may change. Liverpool might have to be quick to get a run on Arsenal and Chelsea, and it looks like that’s exactly what they’re trying to do.
There’s still plenty of time in the window for others to come into the picture. But Lavia – the player Jadon Sancho described as being ‘special’ [The Daily Mail] – is the focus for now.
