Southampton midfielder Romeo Lavia has decided that he “wants to play” for Liverpool, according to journalist Sacha Tavolieri.

It is believed that the Belgian international has already “talked to Jurgen Klopp”, and the Merseyside club could make their first offer soon.

🔴 Been told #LiverpoolFC waiting for Jordan Henderson final word about #AlEttifaqFC🇸🇦 before sending first bid for Romeo #Lavia. Belgian player talked to Jürgen Klopp and wants to play for the Reds. Reds truly believe he is definitely a big prospect for the future and was… pic.twitter.com/4Yxx9CcMB9

— Sacha Tavolieri (@sachatavolieri) July 12, 2023

Tavolieri has also confirmed that the Reds have effectively agreed personal terms with Lavia, saying that negotiating a contract with the 19-year-old is “not a problem”.

Based on what he says, it appears that, if captain Jordan Henderson gives the go-ahead to moving to Al-Ettifaq, the Reds will pull the trigger on an offer for the teenager.

Liverpool could be faced with an exodus in midfield

Following the news that Fabinho could also make the switch to Saudi Arabia, with Al-Ittihad expected to table a £40m bid for the Brazilian, the need to sign a holding midfield player like Lavia could become even greater.

The 19-year-old does have other suitors, including Arsenal, Chelsea and Manchester United but, in addition to getting the approval of the player, it looks as though Liverpool will have the funds required to complete the move.

If the Fabinho deal is approved, and Henderson decides to leave too (with reports of a £10m transfer fee being demanded), that would give the Reds the £50m to match Lavia’s asking price.

Having also lost James Milner, Naby Keita and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain this summer, you can’t rule out the club signing another midfielder even if they land the Southampton star. That could mean reviving moves for either Nice’s Khephren Thuram or Borussia Monchengladbach’s Manu Kone.