Liverpool

Liverpool

Premier League • England

Liverpool offer up young star to sweeten deal for £50m Prem midfielder wanted by Man Utd, Chelsea

Romeo Lavia, Lucas Paqueta, Southampton v West Ham, April 2023

Romeo Lavia and Lucas Paqueta during Southampton vs West Ham

Liverpool are reportedly considering offering Tyler Morton as part of a deal for Romeo Lavia, to reduce Southampton’s £50million asking price.

The Reds’ midfield is in line for an upgrade. This season, it has become apparent that of all areas of the squad, the centre of the park is most in need of improvement.

The ages of some of the most heavily-utilised midfielders will be a concern over the next few seasons. Three of the four most used this campaign – Jordan Henderson, Fabinho and Thiago Alcantara – are either over 30, or soon to turn 30.

The player out of the three that is yet to turn 30, Fabinho, is the one that looks like he’s “gone over the edge” according to former Reds midfielder Jamie Redknapp.

There are also soon to be some men departing from the midfield group. Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, Naby Keita and James Milner will all leave when their contracts expire in the summer.

As such, there’s likely to be quite the shake up. That could mean a number of midfield players could walk through the door to add to the quality of the side and fill the void left by the departing players.

A number of top midfielders have been linked with the club. Alexis Mac Allister’s arrival looks likely, with one outlet suggesting he’s already agreed the terms of a £69.4million move.

The likes of Ryan Gravenberch and Joao Palhinha have also been heavily linked with the club.

Liverpool ready to sweeten Lavia deal

Liverpool have also been linked with Southampton midfielder Lavia. The Belgian has had a breakout season with the Saints after moving from Manchester City, where he hardly played senior football.

He’s already seen as one of the Premier league’s most promising midfielders, with a very high ceiling, given he’s just 19.

As such, the Reds are not the only side interested in him. Most of the league’s biggest clubs are too: Manchester United, Chelsea and former side Man City are among the suitors.

Therefore, a battle might ensure for his services.

With that being said, Liverpool are putting together a package that they hope will put them ahead of any of the other interested sides.

Football Transfers reinforces previous reports that Southampton will ask for £50million. They also state that the Reds are looking to bring that price tag down by including youngster Morton.

The midfielder has made just nine senior appearances for Liverpool. However, a spell at Blackburn this term has shown he’s ready to make the step up to senior football.

Southampton are, of course, resigned to playing Championship football next season after their relegation. As such, they might be interested in an offer that includes a player who’s got recent Championship experience and a high ceiling.

Liverpool’s package might just put them in a strong position to complete the snare. It could well separate them from the rest of the pack, who may only offer cash.

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