Liverpool have agreed a £60million deal to sign Southampton‘s Romeo Lavia, according to reports. 

The Reds have been strong suitors for the Belgian‘s services throughout the summer, but now look to have taken a big step towards getting the deal over the line before the upcoming transfer window deadline. 

Jurgen Klopp’s side were also linked with a £111m move for Brighton’s Moises Caicedo in recent weeks, although they now look to have been beaten by Chelsea, who have had a £115m offer accepted

However, the deal is not yet cut and dry, with Chelsea also in the frame for the Southampton starlet, who impressed a number of clubs in his debut season in the Premier League last term. 

The Blues could still trump Liverpool to his signature, which would be a bitter blow not just to their midfield rebuild this summer, but perhaps also to their credibility in the transfer market. 

Liverpool have reportedly agreed a £60million deal to sign Southampton's Romeo Lavia

Liverpool have reportedly agreed a £60million deal to sign Southampton's Romeo Lavia

Liverpool have reportedly agreed a £60million deal to sign Southampton’s Romeo Lavia

Lavia drew widespread praise after his first season in the Premier League

Lavia drew widespread praise after his first season in the Premier League

Liverpool already look to have been beaten to the signing of Moises Caicedo by Chelsea

Liverpool already look to have been beaten to the signing of Moises Caicedo by Chelsea

Liverpool already look to have been beaten to the signing of Moises Caicedo by Chelsea

Liverpool lost highly decorated former captain Jordan Henderson to Al-Ettifaq earlier this summer

Liverpool lost highly decorated former captain Jordan Henderson to Al-Ettifaq earlier this summer

Liverpool lost highly decorated former captain Jordan Henderson to Al-Ettifaq earlier this summer

The Reds have had advances rebuffed for Lavia this summer, having already added Dominik Szoboszlai and Alexis Mac Allister in the middle of the park. 

Yet Southampton had held firm for around £50m for one of their most prized assets as they look to return to the Premier League at the first opportunity. 

Now, though, as per reports from the Guardian they have accepted a bid some £10m above asking for the player. 

Liverpool had seen a £46m bid rejected last week by the South Coast outfit, with the Blues coming in to attempt a sensational smash and grab at £48m, with Mauricio Pochettino also keen to strengthen his midfield. 

Even if Chelsea should cool their interest in the player now that a deal for Caicedo is seemingly close to completion, there is also the threat of Manchester City who, although as yet uninterested in a move for the player, have a £45m buyback clause that they can exercise should they wish next summer. 

The Anfield club had been deliberating whether to improve their offer or switch sights to Fluminense midfielder Andre.

Lavia was left out of Southampton ‘s matchday squad for Tuesday’s EFL Cup match against League Two side Gillingham – and was also an unused substitute for Southampton as Russell Martin’s side kicked off the new Championship season with an away win over Sheffield Wednesday.

Liverpool legend Jamie Carragher labelled his former club as ’embarrassing’ for their so far failed pursuit of Lavia and called for them to either complete a deal or walk away rather than continue to negotiate a lower price.

Jurgen Klopp's side have had a number of bids already turned down by Southampton for Lavia

Jurgen Klopp's side have had a number of bids already turned down by Southampton for Lavia

Jurgen Klopp’s side have had a number of bids already turned down by Southampton for Lavia

Mauricio Pochettino (left) and Klopp have so far competed for two midfield targets this summer

Mauricio Pochettino (left) and Klopp have so far competed for two midfield targets this summer

Mauricio Pochettino (left) and Klopp have so far competed for two midfield targets this summer

The Reds had considered a cheaper move for Fluminense's Brazilian midfielder Andre

The Reds had considered a cheaper move for Fluminense's Brazilian midfielder Andre

The Reds had considered a cheaper move for Fluminense’s Brazilian midfielder Andre

‘This is embarrassing,’ the Sky Sports pundit wrote on Twitter, before later turning on colleague Gary Neville. ‘If you don’t think he’s worth £50m move on. If you really want him, pay it. 

‘Also not sure why LFC aren’t in for Caicedo, yes it’s a lot of money but Liverpool got big money for JH [Jordan Henderson] and FAB [Fabinho].’ 

Klopp and Co have already lost a number of midfielders this summer, with Jordan Henderson and Fabinho both lured to Saudi Arabia with riches on offer, while James Milner, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Naby Keita all leaving on a free. 

Meanwhile, Chelsea have also seen a midfield exodus with Mateo Kovacic joining City, N’Golo Kante moving to Saudi Arabia, Ruben Loftus-Cheek moving to AC Milan, and Jorginho joining Arsenal in January, leaving Conor Gallagher the only experienced central midfielder left.  

Read More: World News | Entertainment News | Celeb News
Mail Online

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

You May Also Like

Elise Laurenne Wiki Bio, husband, family, kids, net worth, measurements

Who is Elise Laurenne? Born as Lauren Elise on 15 September 1987,…

Rainbow Wahine basketball team rallies for road win at UC San Diego

Hawaii guard Ashley Thoms sparked a second-half comeback with three 3-pointers and…

Bob Hoskins Net Worth | Celebrity Net Worth : INTERNEWSCAST

What was Bob Hoskins’ Net Worth? Bob Hoskins was a British actor…