Liverpool’s third £50m signing nears as star ‘holds talks’ over transfer

Jürgen Klopp and Liverpool are stepping up their transfer plans for another big signing.

Liverpool are reportedly closing in on Romeo Lavia’s £50m transfer from Southampton as they push back the likes of Arsenal and Chelsea over signing him. The Reds have already signed midfielders Dominik Szoboszlai and Alexis Mac Allister as Jurgen Klopp continues to overhaul his midfield as he bids to become provocative again at the top of the Premiership

Competition.

There were doubts that a third midfielder would join the club amid fears of a lockout in that position, but after James Milner, Naby Keita, Arthur Melo and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain all left in the summer and Thiago and Jordan Henderson were both associated with each other. in Saudi Arabia – The Reds could find space for Lavia.

Other Liverpool targets included Manu Kone and Khephren Thuram but the focus appears to be on Lavia. Now journalist Pete O’Rourke has said the Reds are confident the Belgian has opted to join them ahead of their league rivals in a potential £50m deal. With the 19-year-old keen on the move, personal terms are unlikely to be an issue, although Liverpool have yet to agree a transfer fee with Southampton which is the only major stumbling block remaining. Talks are currently underway between Lavia and the Reds as Klopp is reportedly interested in bringing the teenager to Anfield.

Liverpool have targeted Lavia as a more defensive midfielder to complement Mac Allister and Szoboszlai, while providing a crucial rotation option for Fabinho who, along with several of his team-mates, struggled last season to continue his form of recent years.

Manchester City, who sold Lavia to Southampton last summer, have a buyout clause but it would only run until 2024 meaning Pep Guardiola’s side would have to match rivals’ offers for bring him back to the league club for the upcoming season.

City will bear 20 per cent of the selling fee, prompting Southampton to seek a fee of up to £50m – as they would immediately part ways with £10m. Liverpool, Chelsea and Arsenal have all expressed interest in Lavia, but it remains to be seen whether both clubs are willing to shell out £50m on her signing.

The Reds haven’t been afraid to spend this summer, but there’s a chance a £50m Lavia chase could be influenced by their interest in Chelsea defender Levi Colwill.

The centre-back was recently part of the England Under-21 side that won the European Championship and could not confirm his return to Stamford Bridge after being asked by his Blues team-mate Noni Madueke.