After bringing in Alexis Mac Allister, Liverpool are looking to expand their midfield this summer.
Romeo Lavia, 19, is being pursued by Liverpool, according to Fabrizio Romano, who also claims that Liverpool and Southampton have started negotiations.
One of the few players to have come out of last season with credit in the bank at Southampton was Romeo Lavia. The Belgian was impressive in his debut Premier League season and was one of the few positives the Saints could take from a bitterly disappointing campaign.
The teenager likely had no idea he would be required to play so frequently at St Mary’s Stadium after moving there from Manchester City last summer, when he made 34 appearances for Southampton’s senior team.
The Premier League’s top teams have expressed interest in Lavia due to his potential, with Fabrizio Romano claiming on his YouTube channel that Arsenal, Manchester United, and Chelsea are all interested in signing him.
The Italian, however, has disclosed that Liverpool have been in contact with Southampton about a potential transfer for Lavia recently to gauge how much a deal might cost.
Romeo Lavia said, “So Romeo Lavia is on Arsenal’s list. However, from what I understand, Liverpool have also begun negotiations to sign Romeo Lavia. Liverpool are thus interested in Lavia.
“Manchester United and Chelsea both inquired about the situation a short while ago. Both clubs are therefore informed, but at the moment they are not particularly involved or active in this deal because timing is also a factor. Romeo Lavia is one of the players Liverpool are considering, though.
“We are aware of [Khephren] Thuram and Manu Kone, with Thuram in particular being a concrete target for Liverpool at the moment. However, we must also include Romeo Lavia on their list because they value him as a player. Let’s see if they choose to submit a bid.”
However, Romano claimed that Liverpool would have to pay more than £40 million for Lavia, with Southampton eager to make a quick buck off of their star. This could be a roadblock.
Alexis Mac Allister has already been added to Liverpool’s roster, but the Reds still require a second midfielder in light of the free-agent departures of Naby Keita, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, and James Milner.
As Romano mentions, Nice’s Thuram and Borussia Monchengladbach’s Kone have been linked with Anfield, as have Nicolo Barella, Gabri Veiga and Ryan Gravenberch.
The lack of midfield toughness and the declining impact of defensive midfielder Fabinho were two factors that contributed to Liverpool’s performance problems last season.
Therefore, the introduction of a highly-talented holding midfielder at the other end of their career could be exactly what the Reds need, as well as easing the workload on the shoulders of Liverpool’s number three.
Jurgen Klopp hailed Southampton’s midfield for their “proper football” last season, of which Lavia was a huge part, and the starlet’s defensive acumen makes him a tempting option for the German coach.
Lavia, who has been hailed as a “monster,” averaged 1.9 blocks, 2.43 tackles, and 1.34 interceptions per 90 minutes last season in a team that left him laughably exposed as the anchor. His impressive defensive play reading is on display in his 7.48 ball recoveries per 90, which is exactly what Liverpool need in the middle of the field.
