Verbal agreement ‘done’, as Liverpool prepare decisive bid for midfield signing No 3

A second source confirmed Liverpool have an agreement on personal terms in place with Southampton’s Romeo Lavia, and Fabrizio Romano reported a potentially decisive bid is coming.

The Reds’ much-anticipated midfield overhaul is in full swing, with Alexis Mac Allister and Dominik Szoboszlai already banked.

But with Arthur Melo, Leighton Clarkson, James Milner, Naby Keita and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain all departing, Jurgen Klopp is way down on numbers.

What’s more, Fabinho’s transfer to Al Ittihad is still expected to go through despite a delay. Elsewhere, Fabrizio Romano reported Jordan Henderson’s switch to Al Ettifaq worth an initial £12m is “on the verge of finally being sealed.”

Clearly, one and potentially two extra additions in midfield are required. If Fabinho does depart, Klopp’s only recognised holding midfielder will be 18-year-old Stefan Bajcetic.

As such, Liverpool have fixed their gaze on Southampton’s wildly impressive Romeo Lavia. The 19-year-old caught the eye in what was an ill-fated campaign for the Saints, though the Belgian was one of very few to emerge with credit on the south coast.

Arsenal and Chelsea have both kept tabs on Lavia’s situation. However, according to Belgian journalist Sacha Tavolieri, an agreement on personal terms has been struck.

According to Sky Germany’s Florian Plettenberg, that information is indeed accurate.

Plettenberg tweeted a “verbal agreement” on the player’s side is “done.” As such, all eyes are now on whether Liverpool will bid what Southampton are demanding.

Improved Lavia bid coming

To that end, David Ornstein reported the Reds failed with an opening offer worth £37m. Southampton are holding out for £50m and multiple sources have all stressed they won’t accept a discounted fee.

Nevertheless, Liverpool haven’t been dissuaded by their initial rejection and per Romano, are primed to up the ante and bid again.

The transfer guru tweeted Liverpool are “prepared to return with [a] new approach to Southampton for Romeo Lavia.”

Whether the Reds will bite the bullet and pay full price remains to be seen. But with Chelsea and Arsenal hovering and Fabinho and Henderson edging closer to leaving, Liverpool are playing with fire if they delay.

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