‘Reasonably confident’: Liverpool now believe they can sign ‘incredible’ player for just £40m – journalist
In what must be the worst kept secret of the summer, Liverpool are hot on the heels of young Southampton midfielder Romeo Lavia and talks are now ongoing for the transfer of the Belgian.
According to Sacha Tavolieri, the Reds are now reasonably confident of striking a deal for the 19-year-old with negotiations set to continue during the week.
Having signed for the Saints from Manchester City last summer, the youngster has a buy-back clause included in his contract at St. Mary’s which could see Pep Guardiola’s side re-sign him for £40million in 2024. The City boss holds an ‘incredible’ opinion on his former player.
“I am really impressed with what Romeo has done and is doing,” stated Guardiola.
“We had, and we have, an incredible opinion about him.”
It is understood that Southampton would only accept a bid comparable to that buy-back clause, this comes after it was revealed that the Reds’ initial bid of £37million was rejected by the Saints for Lavia.
Liverpool are said to have a five-year contract ready for the recently relegated ace, and a new bid is expected imminently.
The Belgium international played the first half of Southampton’s pre-season friendly against Bournemouth yesterday evening, leaving the pitch with the Saints 2-1 down on home soil at half-time before they eventually lost 3-2.
Is Lavia the man?
With the impending loss of captain Jordan Henderson, alongside the probable departure of Fabinho, the Reds are in desperate need of midfield reinforcements and a young talent such as Lavia fits the bill; not only for the skillset he possesses, but also the longevity he would offer Jurgen Klopp’s side.
The midfielder made 34 appearances for Southampton last season, the majority of which came as a starter in the Premier League during his first full campaign as a senior professional.
A transfer saga that has seemingly dragged on since the dawn of time from the perspective of a Liverpool supporter, this proposed deal looks like it is slowly but surely reaching a conclusion.
Lavia may soon be a Red.
