Southampton reject first Liverpool bid for Lavia

Southampton have rejected an initial bid from Liverpool for Romeo Lavia, according to multiple sources. The offer is believed to have stood at £37 million, add-ons included, while the south-coast club demand a deal worth up to £50m. The personal terms between Liverpool and Lavia are not thought to be a problem, but it remains to be seen if the two clubs can find common ground over the proposed transfer of the 19-year-old midfielder.

Following the departures of Roberto Firmino, James Milner, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Naby Keita as free agents, Liverpool started their transfer business with the acquisition of Alexis Mac Allister from Brighton to bolster their depleted midfield section, followed by the signing of Dominik Szoboszlai from RB Leipzig. Their plans were then strongly shaken as two Saudi clubs, Al-Ettifaq and Al-Ittihad, made their moves for captain Jordan Henderson and Fabinho, respectively, and with the two midfielders set to leave the club, it’s quite obvious Jurgen Klopp will need further additions to that section of the squad.

Further talks between Liverpool and Southampton are expected to take place in the coming days.