Liverpool reach deal to sign Romeo Lavia from Southampton

Premier League giants, Liverpool have reached a deal to sign midfielder Romeo Lavia from Southampton who were relegated last season.

Jürgen Klopp is desperate to strengthen his midfield and has been stung by Chelsea winning the race to sign Moisés Caicedo from Brighton. Caicedo, who is due to undergo a medical, is moving for a British record fee of £115 million.

Liverpool’s season opener at Stamford Bridge was a stark reminder of the acute need for a specialist number six.  Bringing one in will help them bring balance to the roster and let the duo of Alexis Mac Allister and Dominik Szoboszlai thrive in their natural roles.

Chelsea are also in the race to sign Lavia and lodged a £55 million bid for the Belgian last Friday. However, Liverpool’s need for reinforcements in the middle is urgent and they have refused to give up on the player, who wants to leave Southampton after their relegation from the Premier League.

This pushed the Reds into raising their bid for Lavia to £60 million, a £15 million increase from the £46 million they initially bidded.

While Southampton appear fine with the new £60 million price, it will amount for little unless the player gives his go-ahead. Lavia appears to favour a move to Chelsea, making the job harder for the Reds and Jurgen Klopp.

Southampton have been preparing for Lavia’s exit for a while now. It was clear from their actions in omitting the youngster from the EFL Cup clash and their most recent Championship clash. While a summer exit is on the cards, whether it is to Anfield is the question.

The Saints midfielder was one of the club’s best performers last season and, at 19, is in line to develop into one of the top defensive midfielders in England.