Southampton rejected an initial £40 million bid from Liverpool for midfielder Romeo Lavia, but Liverpool will not back down as they prepare an additional offer.
According to The Athletic, Liverpool are set to make a second attempt at landing the services of the Belgian and Southampton midfielder Romeo Lavia after initially submitting a bid in the region of £37million.
As revealed on Tuesday morning by David Ornstein of The Athletic, the opening bid submitted to the now Championship team for the Belgium international worth £37million ($44.5m) in total package was rejected, with The Saints holding out for an overall £50m package.
However, it now appears that negotiations are ongoing and there is now an increasing likelihood of a deal being agreed.
The 19-year-old played 45 minutes for Southampton in their 3-2 friendly defeat by Bournemouth at St Mary’s on Tuesday night.
Asked about Lavia’s future, manager Russell Martin said: “I thought Romeo, considering what’s going on, to play tonight and do all that stuff, it was good for him to get on the pitch as he has not had the minutes other people have had.
“You can ask for an update but I can’t give you one because I don’t know. I’m going to speak to (sporting director) Jason (Wilcox) now but I’ve been preparing for this game.”
It is highly possible that add-ons could take Liverpool’s price to a figure that Southampton might deem acceptable. While personal terms will not be an issue, Chelsea has also shown an interest in the young player in their quest to purchase a defensive midfielder should their pursuit of Caicedo not pull through.
Following the departures of Roberto Firmino, James Milner, Naby Keita and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain from the first team, The Reds also look set to lose captain Jordan Henderson – having agreed to a deal with Saudi Pro League side Al Ettifaq, – and Fabinho, who is believed to be discussing with other clubs over a move.
In this regard, Jurgen Klopp would hope the deal for Latvia can be rounded up quickly before the start of the new campaign.
