Journalist Florian Plettenburg has given an update on Liverpool’s pursuit of Romeo Lavia as Jurgen Klopp continues to rebuild the Red’s engine room this summer. The team have already signed Alexis Mac Allister and Dominik Szoboszlai in this window as part of their midfield revamp.
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Liverpool Still Locked Into Negotiations for Midfield Target
Lavia Handling Reds’ Interest ‘Really Well’
Southampton have reportedly rejected an initial bid of £40 million for the 19-year-old midfielder, with Saints boss Russell Martin stating he is handling the situation “really well”.
The former Manchester City player has been described as a “sensational midfielder” and was in action as Saints lost 3-2 to Bournemouth in the club’s latest pre-season friendly.
Lavia started the game but was substituted at the break, however, Martin was full of praise for his young star.
Read More: ‘Main Issue’: Disagreement Slows Progress on Liverpool Exit
Speaking to Sky Sports after the game, he said: “Romeo played 45 minutes tonight, it was good for him and it was good for us. He may still be here, he may not, I don’t have any idea but his attitude was brilliant.
“That’s all you can ever ask, when they are here they give everything they have got and he’s done that. We’ll just have to wait and see how it pans out.”
When pushed on how he has dealt with the public interest from Liverpool, Martin added: “It’s incredibly tough. He has handled it really well.
“I think the easiest thing in the world is to say I’m not playing tonight, or to come out and to not give everything he’s got, which he did.”
Watch: Why Romeo Lavia is a Perfect Fit
Liverpool Ready to Bid Again
Plettenberg has revealed that Lavia “wants to join” the Reds and the “verbal agreement is done” between the player and club. The only stumbling block would appear to be an agreement over the fee.
The German journalist has said that the two parties are “still in negotiations” with Southampton holding out for a fee of £50 million – the “last hurdle” for Klopp’s side to overcome.
The Athletic is also reporting that the Anfield club is “set to make an improved offer” for the Belgium international and that Chelsea “retain a firm interest” in the player.
With competition for Lavia’s services, Liverpool will want to act quickly if they wish to add the Belgian midfielder to their ranks, and that is exactly what transfer guru Fabrizio Romano has said.
The Italian journalist understands the Reds will bid £42.5 million with £2.5 million in bonuses for the 19-year-old and that they will want “to be fast” with the Blues sniffing around.
With the player already keen on the move it should only be a matter of time before the deal gets over the line. Upon its completion, the 2020 Premier League winners will add an excellent young player to their midfield core. What the youngster offers in both on-ball ability and energy will help their makeover in the middle of the park.
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