Liverpool will continue talks to sign Southampton midfielder
next week’ as the Reds look to beat Chelsea to the 19-year-old’s signature
As previously reported by TEAMtalk, Liverpool are the favourites to sign the midfielder despite competition from Chelsea.
Now, according to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, they are looking to finalise the signing of Lavia soon.
“Jurgen Klopp has spoken about working on solutions for midfield, but my understanding remains that the priority is still absolutely Romeo Lavia,” Romano told Caught Offside.
“After that, we will see what else will happen in that position, but Liverpool remain focused on Lavia for now, and it’s not a straightforward deal – Southampton insist on £50m package for Lavia, so negotiation remain ongoing… but it will continue next week.
“Liverpool will try to find the best way to sign him also because they’re aware of Chelsea interest.”
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Liverpool to continue Lavia talks ‘next week’
Lavia signed for Southampton from Manchester City last summer. Last season, he made 29 Premier League appearances and scored one goal.
Generally operating from defensive midfield, the Belgian’s best attributes are breaking up opposition attacks. He also has a good passing range.
With the departures of Jordan Henderson and Fabinho this summer, Liverpool need to bring in a defensive midfielder ahead of the coming season.
With that in mind, it’s no surprise to see Klopp pushing to get a deal over the line.
Chelsea, on the other hand, are also desperate to bring in a new midfielder. That is because N’Golo Kante has left the London club, along with Mateo Kovacic and Mason Mount
his two centre-mid options, while youngsters Cesare Casadei and Carney Chukwuemeka could also be utilised this season.
Lavia’s next club may ultimately come down to whether Liverpool or Chelsea are willing to pay his £50m price tag. The Blues’ priority is still Brighton’s Moises Caicedo, but they make look to strike deals for both players.
With that in mind, Lavia is definitely a player for Liverpool and Chelsea fans to keep an eye on next week.
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