Fabrizio Romano provides MAJOR Liverpool transfer update
Tom Hancock
- 1 Aug 2023 15:32 BST
- 3 min read
Liverpool will have their latest bid for Romeo Lavia rejected by Southampton, reports Fabrizio Romano.
The Reds are continuing to pursue the prodigious Belgium midfielder, 19, who has also been linked with Manchester United and Chelsea.
But they look set to fall short once again, having seen a £40m offer last week turned down by the Saints.
MORE: Liverpool set for 'surprise' rival in race to sign Lavia
According to Romano, Southampton will soon ‘formally reject’ Liverpool’s improved bid – and it’s not hard to see why.
Romano adds that the Reds’ new offer is worth just £2m more than the previous one – and that the Saints are holding out for their £50m valuation of Lavia, who they signed from Manchester City last summer for an initial £10.5m.
Lavia is said to be keen on a move to Anfield, but the Reds are playing a dangerous game by potentially opening the door for rival suitors to meet Southampton’s asking price.
MORE: Klopp laughs off Mbappe talk but admits Liverpool could 'surprise' him with transfer
Liverpool have submitted new bid for Roméo Lavia as expected — £42m fee.
Still no agreement with Southampton, it will be formally rejected soon as they insist on £50m asking price. 🔴 #LFC
Negotiations remain ongoing.
Clubs remain in contact as Lavia wants the move. pic.twitter.com/wKVv5sycog— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) August 1, 2023
All change in midfield at Anfield
Liverpool want to keep adding to their midfield, having already made two strong upgrades this summer in the form of Alexis Mac Allister and Dominik Szoboszlai.
Jurgen Klopp’s side are still short on numbers in the middle of the park, though, having seen a host of players leave.
Jordan Henderson and Fabinho have just completed switches to the Saudi Pro League – after James Milner, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Naby Keita all departed as free agents.
Lavia would represent another impressive addition to the cast, having enjoyed a breakout season in 2023/24.
Southampton were ultimately relegated, finishing rock-bottom of the Premier League, but their deep-lying playmaker shone throughout the campaign, making 34 appearances in all competitions – and earning his first senior Belgium cap in March.
