Liverpool could seal the signature of Southampton midfielder Romeo Lavia before the match against Chelsea this weekend, according to 90min.com journalist Graeme Bailey.

Speaking on the Talking Transfers podcast, Bailey said that the two parties are not very far apart on the transfer fee, so he expects that the player will be wearing a Reds shirt in time for the club’s first Premier League fixture on Sunday:

“I think the deal gets done, they’re only £5m apart now with add-ons. They [Southampton] want £50m including add-ons, so it’s a bit easier to get to than just £50m flat.”

“Not far away. I think this one could be done by the weekend. I don’t think he’ll feature in that game [vs Chelsea] but I think he could be a Liverpool player by that point.”

You do feel Bailey is speculating somewhat but the fact that Liverpool have not left the negotiating table does suggest an agreement is within reach.

Lavia is pressing for the move

The Belgian international has not featured in Southampton’s first two games of the season. He was an unused substitute in the 2-1 win over Sheffield Wednesday last weekend, and the midfielder wasn’t even in the matchday squad for the Carabao Cup tie against Gillingham.

Lavia is clearly putting pressure on his club to make the move happen, but whether a transfer is imminent as Bailey suggests, we shall have to wait and see.

Liverpool are taking their time in negotiations

Considering the club have had 3 bids rejected for the 19-year-old, there is always a fear that another team could swoop in and hijack the deal.

Chelsea, Arsenal and Manchester United are all known to be interested in Lavia but, so far, the 3 Premier League rivals have not stepped up their pursuit of the player. Reds fans will be hoping it stays that way.