Liverpool
Premier League • England
Liverpool ‘back in the race’ as Jurgen Klopp determined not to repeat transfer failure with Reds levelling up midfielder bid
Reports claim Liverpool have now matched Chelsea’s offer for Southampton star Romeo Lavia and still have a genuine chance of signing the midfielder.
The Reds have been linked with a move for the 19-year-old for some time. Jurgen Klopp has looked to revamp his engine room this summer after letting six midfielders leave. Jordan Henderson, Fabinho, Naby Keita, James Milner, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Fabio Carvalho have all departed, the latter on loan.
The German has added Alexis Mac Allister and Dominik Szoboszlai to the ranks but he needs some steel in the centre of the park.
The Anfield outfit had hoped to sign Moises Caicedo from Brighton. However, despite agreeing terms with the Seagulls, it seems as though the Ecuador international will be joining Chelsea.
And the Blues are also involved in a tussle to secure the services of Lavia.
It was reported on Friday that the west Londoners had met Saints asking price of £50m and may have offered close to £55m.
Fabrizio Romano then carried quotes from Southampton manager Russell Martin on his Twitter feed, giving an update on Lavia’s situation on Saturday.
He said: “Romeo Lavia, not playing as he’s not in the right frame of mind to play. I also believe it’s (transfer) edging closer to a conclusion.”
At that stage, it was still unclear where the Belgium international would end up.
READ MORE: Liverpool to rival Nottingham Forest for £32m star as Klopp scrambles to sign Caicedo alternative
Most things pointed to Chelsea winning the race but it appears as though Liverpool are not prepared to take it lying down.
Liverpool won’t back down in race for Lavia
The Caicedo saga seemed to have taken to wind out of the Liverpool sails this summer regarding transfers.
He looked the type of player who would fit neatly in the Klopp way of playing. But it is likely that he will soon ink terms at Stamford Bridge.
And it appeared as though Lavia might well follow suit after Chelsea’s latest offer.
Belgian journalist Sacha Tavolieri revealed on Saturday that Chelsea were ‘very close’ to landing the star.
However, he has now given Liverpool fans hope that they might be able to sign the youngster.
Tavolieri said on X: “#LiverpoolFC on the battle again with #ChelseaFC for Romeo #Lavia as they want to level up their offer to #CFC bid offered (and accepted but up to player’s decision that why ‘’not officially communicated as accepted’) in order to let the choice to the player to decide.
“And his mind hasn’t changed… It’s not over for #LFC, back in the race. Confirmed.”
Lavia enjoyed an excellent 2022-2023 campaign for Saints but could not prevent them from being relegated.
He enjoyed 26 starts from 29 Premier League outings as the south-coast outfit failed to maintain their top-flight status.
However, it now seems likely that the talented youngster will be seen in England’s top division over the next ten months.