Chelsea, Liverpool battling for top midfield target who is now ‘expected to leave;’ £50m bid required

Southampton are reportedly standing firm on their £50m valuation of Romeo Lavia, who is a target for both Liverpool and Chelsea.

The 19-year-old put in some good performances for the Saints last season. But, he was unable to prevent them from being relegated to the Championship.

Lavia has caught the attention of several top clubs. Liverpool have been considered to be the favourites to sign him for some time. However, Chelsea have recently entered the race. 

It’s no secret that Jurgen Klopp wants to sign at least one more midfielder this summer, after completing deals for Alexis Mac Allister and Dominik Szoboszlai.

Indeed, the manager is now eyeing a more defensive option. For instance, Nice star Khephren Thuram is another player who has been heavily linked to Liverpool.

Bayern Munich were also interested in Thuram but recently pulled out of the race. So, he definitely remains a viable option for Liverpool.

But, it’s unlikely that the Reds would sign both Thuram and Lavia. Therefore, Klopp will have to choose which of the two midfielders to prioritise.

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Southampton ‘expect’ Lavia to leave

According to Football Insider, Southampton ‘fully expect’ both Lavia and James Ward-Prowse to join a Premier League club this summer.

However, the Saints want to maximise the Belgium international’s value as his former club, Manchester City, will be entitled to 20% of any fee received for his services.

As a result, they won’t reduce their price tag of £50m, after Liverpool have expressed a willingness to pay £40m for the youngster.

Chelsea are also believed to be preparing an offer of £40m. So, both clubs will have to increase that offer if they want to get a deal over the line.

Last season, Lavia made 29 Premier League appearances for Southampton, scoring one goal. As mentioned, his best attribute is at breaking up opposition attacks. Also, he is an excellent passer on his day.

Still a youngster, Lavia is expected to get better as he gains more experience at the highest level. Also, he is tipped by pundits to flourish in a better team.

Interestingly, Man City have a buyback clause in his contract, to the tune of £40m. However, this only becomes active in 2024.

Therefore, it is imperative that Liverpool, or indeed Chelsea, get a deal done for Lavia this summer if they want to add him to their squads.

With that in mind, he will definitely be a player to keep an eye on for the remainder of the transfer window.

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