Liverpool have joined Chelsea, Arsenal and Manchester United in pursuing Southampton midfielder Romeo Lavia, according to reporter Felix Johnston.
The Belgian international only moved to the south coast from Manchester City for £14m last summer but, with the Saints now almost certain to be relegated, clubs have begun circling the player:
Understand Roméo Lavia is gaining interest from other clubs, including Arsenal, United & Liverpool.
Chelsea asked for a price, but Southampton didn’t set a price tag. Indication want more than City’s buy-out (active next summer).
Youssouf Fofana is on midfield shortlist. pic.twitter.com/jdVpXK1mqS
— Felix (@FelixJohnston_) May 8, 2023
While most supporters on Twitter believe Lavia is an exciting young player, not everyone is convinced that he will end up making the switch to Anfield:
Bring him in
— Enzo (@Enzo1876) May 8, 2023
Ugarte>>
— IVØNIC (@rebellionxd1) May 8, 2023
Id take him… absolute unit n looked good every time I’ve seen him play
— Rob (@Patrick94339331) May 8, 2023
Take him before City can reclaim in 2024. A real prospect.
— Christian Ballantyne (@CBallantyne91) May 8, 2023
I’d rather Lavia than Gravenberch. We need a full DM. And he’s very young too with upside.
— Tee M (@TriggLFC) May 8, 2023
Chelsea want him and they’ll outbid us. At can’t compete with teams that make less revenue because of FSGreed
— – (@StillNico__) May 8, 2023
Would love him
— oli (@_oliver_LFC) May 8, 2023
It is believed that City do have a £40m buyback option on Lavia, but that will only come into effect next year. Even so, Southampton are expected to demand a fee higher than that figure from interested teams this summer.
The 19-year-old is undoubtedly a big talent, but he is pretty inexperienced, having just one season of Premier League football under his belt, so Liverpool may not believe he is worth the outlay.