‘You sign him’: West Ham tipped to sign ‘special’ player despite rumoured Liverpool deal 

Jay Bothroyd has tipped David Moyes’ West Ham United to sign Liverpool transfer target and Southampton midfielder Romeo Lavia this summer.

The 19-year-old is a sought-after player following Southampton’s relegation to the Championship – amid claims that Jurgen Klopp’s side are the ‘top favourites’ to sign him.

But former Premier League forward Bothroyd has backed West Ham United to sign Romeo Lavia this summer after their club-record sale of Declan Rice to Arsenal, as he told Sky Sports.

Given that Liverpool are very keen to secure Lavia’s talents, then those at the London Stadium will probably find it hard to beat them to his signature.

Saying that, he is the exact type of player they should be pushing for. Not only does he bring excitement to the midfield, but great belief that he can transform into a top, top player in years to come.

That’s why Bothroyd is backing the rising teenager for a move to West Ham as they re-build after Rice’s exit.

“I like Lavia as well,” said Bothroyd. “I know other clubs have been talking about him as well. He is a good young player.

“If you sign him, he is going to be expensive, but the way I would look at it. You can buy, he does well, then you can sell him for even more, so it could be an investment, in the end.

“West Ham are a great club, they lost a great player in Declan Rice. But those two players (Ward-Prowse and Lavia) are the ones I would be looking at if I was West Ham.”

This is a player that any top team and aspiring side should be pushing for because he has the ability to become of the Premier League’s best midfielders – Manchester United winger Jadon Sancho labelled him as ‘very special’ (Daily Mail).

But he can’t halt his progression and sit on the bench next season, that’s why he needs to be careful about his next move.

Just like he did when he decided to leave Manchester City last summer, he needs to pick a side that will provide him with those regular minutes, so he can continue his rise in the game.