Liverpool could propose a “creative formula” if they do table a bid for Southampton midfielder Romeo Lavia, according to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano.

It is believed that the Saints are demanding £50m for the Belgian international, just a year after signing him for £14m from Manchester City, and Romano says Jurgen Klopp’s side may try offering up players, as well including add-ons:

“For Romeo Lavia, the price tag is around £50million. But sources believe that maybe, with some add-ons or with a creative formula such as including some players, they can find a way with Southampton to reach an agreement.”

It seems very unlikely that such a deal would be acceptable to Southampton due to a number of different reasons.

Buyback and Sell-on Clauses

Lavia’s previous club Manchester City can re-sign the player for £40m next year and, combined with the fact that 20% of any future sale will go to the Premier League champions, you can’t see the Saints agreeing to sell for anything below their current valuation.

Whether offering up players in a part-exchange deal could be a solution, it depends on who Liverpool are willing to include. However,  you can’t see Lavia’s team accepting add-ons due to the aforementioned clauses.

Liverpool will have to fend off interest from other clubs

Another factor as to why Southampton are holding out for such a sizeable fee is that there are, at least, three other Premier League teams pursuing Lavia at the moment

Arsenal have reportedly held talks with the 19-year-old’s agent already, while both Chelsea and Manchester United are known to be interested in the teenager.

For now, it does look like the Reds will have to play a ‘waiting game’ to see whether the Saints do decide to lower their demands. Currently, Lavia’s asking price is way too high.