Liverpool have had a third bid for midfielder Romeo Lavia rejected by Southampton who were relegated from the Premier League last season.
The latest offer for the 19-year-old Belgian is believed to be about £46m including add-ons, but Southampton reportedly wants £50m.
Talks with Southampton for Lavia has not been shut down by Liverpool as they are really in need of a defensive midfielder following the departure of Fabinho to Saudi Arabia earlier this summer.
Jurgen Klopp has already brought in two new midfielders this summer: Alexis Mac Allister from Brighton in a £35m deal and Dominik Szoboszlai from RB Leipzig for £60m.
Those new signings have replaced departing midfielders James Milner, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, and Naby Keita, while captain Jordan Henderson and Brazil international Fabinho also left Anfield this summer and secured moves to Saudi Arabia.
Despite the third bid being rejected, Lavia is likely to depart the club this summer as he is keen on making the move. Southampton had also dropped the Belgian international from their matchday squad in their Championship opener on August 5 against Sheffield Wednesday.
Southampton signed Lavia from Manchester City last year for an initial fee of £10.5m, which could rise to £14m.
The 19-year-old made 34 appearances in all competitions last season as the Saints were relegated from the Premier League.
The Championship side would not receive the full value of any sale as they agreed to a 20 percent sell-on clause with Manchester City when they bought Lavia.
It is also important to noted that Fluminense’s Andre Trindade is regarded as a viable alternative to Lavia if Liverpool are not able to iron things out with Southampton.
Liverpool will play their final pre-season game on Monday against Darmstadt FC before facing Chelsea in their Premier League 2023/24 opener on August 13.
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