Romeo Lavia may receive a second offer from Liverpool in the near future as they intensify their pursuit of the midfielder, according to Fabrizio Romano.
Since allegations surfaced that Chelsea and Manchester United are also considering making a move for the Belgian midfielder, Southampton has already rejected one offer from Liverpool.
The Italian writer, however, downplayed the Old Trafford club’s level of interest in the 19-year-old and predicted that the Merseysiders would ‘push again’ for him in his most recent Daily Briefing for CaughtOffside.
“I’m aware there have been reports Man United have also shown interest in midfielder Romeo Lavia, but I’m not aware of any actual negotiations between United and Lavia at the moment,” wrote Romano.
“They have been considering him to be a top prospect, but no other offers or conversations have been made as of yet.
Liverpool will presumably make another offer for Lavia this week. After Southampton rejected an early approach of £37 million a few days ago, I predict the next offer will be in the neighbourhood of £45 million. Liverpool will exert further pressure since they consider Lavia to be the ideal target both now and in the future.
There were rumours that Liverpool was only waiting for Fabinho’s transfer to Al-Ittihad to be approved before stepping up their efforts to sign Lavia.
The Brazilian’s £40 million deal to the Saudi Pro League has been finalised (Sky Sports), therefore the Reds hierarchy can now fully concentrate on luring the Southampton midfielder to Anfield.
Romano claims that Man United haven’t had any “concrete” negotiations with the player, but the Anfield giants might be eager to move fast to avoid being passed by any other suitors at this point.
It is unclear whether Liverpool’s £45 million offer would be accepted because the Saints have been demanding £50 million for Lavia all summer. However, the offer’s structure in terms of potential add-ons may, in theory, tilt the balances in our favour.
This is the week when we expect see the Reds really step it up in terms of trying to sign the Belgian teenager, with their coffers freshly boosted up from the sale of Fabinho and a defensive midfield void to cover.
