Liverpool submit second bid for teenage star

The Reds are keen to wrap up a deal ahead of the new season

July 27, 2023 at 10:39 am GMT+1

Liverpool have tabled a second bid for teenage sensation Romeo Lavia as they look to ward off competition from Chelsea and Arsenal to land their man this summer.

The Reds are on the hunt for a new defensive midfielder as Fabinho nears a £40m switch to Saudi side Al-Ittihad, and have identified the former Manchester City academy star as their no.1 target in that position.

Both Arsenal and Chelsea are also thought to be keeping tabs on his progress, while Manchester City also have a buyback clause set at £50m which comes into effect next summer, but it is the Reds that are looking to finalise a deal early this summer.

18 Feb 2023 - Chelsea v Southampton - Premier League - Stamford Bridge Southampton's Romeo Lavia during the Premier League match against Chelsea. Picture : Mark Pain / Alamy Live News 2NKR45Y 18 Feb 2023 - Chelsea v Southampton - Premier League - Stamford Bridge Southampton's Romeo Lavia during the Premier League match against Chelsea. Picture : Mark Pain / Alamy Live News (Alamy Stock Photo)

They have already seen one £37m offer turned down for the Southampton man, but have reportedly returned with a second offer in the region of £45m, closer to Southampton’s £50m asking price but still £5m short.

There is hope from Jurgen Klopp’s side that the Saints will accept a compromise on the fee for the 19-year-old, and that a deal can be concluded ahead of the start of the new season.

Personal terms are not thought to be a problem, with Lavia already having broadly agreed terms with the Reds and having given the ‘green light’ to the signing.

Should it go through, the move will leave Liverpool able to field a fully new-look midfield against Chelsea on the opening day of the season, having already signed Alexis Mac Allister and Dominik Szoboszlai in deals worth a combined £100m this summer.

Jurgen Klopp’s side are also thought to be keen on signing another central defender and a right back before they face Chelsea on the opening day of the new season.

Meanwhile, Jordan Henderson has said farewell to Anfield in a heartfelt social media post as he closes in on completing his £12m move to Al-Ettifaq, where he will be reunited with Steven Gerrard.