Southampton have turned down Liverpool’s second offer for Romeo Lavia, according to reliable reporters.
Almost a week after their first offer was rejected, Liverpool have seen a second offer rejected for the Southampton midfielder.
This Is Anfield understand that personal terms have already been agreed with Lavia, but Saints are refusing to go below the quoted price of £50m.
Renowned journalist Melissa Reddy reports that Liverpool have presented ‘an improved offer’ for the 19-year-old, which stands at £41m including surcharges.
That’s around £4m more than the previous bid.
This is still well below Southampton’s requirements, but as the window progresses they are more likely to cave in, having been relegated to the Championship last season.
However, The Times’ Paul Joyce says the Reds could now move on to other goals.
He wrote: “Andre, the Fluminense midfielder, is a player the Anfield club have shown increased interest in since being selected for Brazil.
“His value is believed to be around £20m, although Fluminense are reluctant to sell the 22-year-old until next year.”
It seems unlikely that André would be a direct alternative to Lavia as he would not have local status.
It would also be a real risk to have him as Liverpool’s only number 6 as he lacks experience in the Premier League or even the European top division.
Lavia would probably be the safest option.
Romeo Latvia of Belgium
Despite his young age, the 19-year-old was Southampton’s star in his debut season with the club following a £14m transfer from Manchester City last summer.
He made 29 Premier League appearances at the base of midfield and excelled despite the south coast club’s relegation.
Whatever happens, it now seems extremely unlikely that anyone signing for Liverpool will start the Premier League opener, against Chelsea.
