Liverpool are genuine contenders to sign Southampton midfielder Romeo Lavia, according to journalist Sacha Tavolieri.

The Belgian reporter says the Reds’ good “working relationship” with the Saints may help them beat Chelsea and Arsenal in the “huge fight” to sign the teenager:

🇧🇪 Huge fight for Roméo Lavia.#LFC working relationship with #SaintsFC could help to do club deal.#CFC wants him for longest time. Lavia already talked about Chelsea to his entourage.#Arsenal have best relationship with agent for agreeing personal terms.
No offer yet. Talks 🔛 pic.twitter.com/k3oT6Z9ha9

— Sacha Tavolieri (@sachatavolieri) June 26, 2023

Fabrizio Romano has confirmed that Jurgen Klopp’s side have made a fresh enquiry for Lavia, although, at the time of writing, a formal bid has not been lodged.

Reports suggest that Southampton may hold out for around £50m to sell the former Manchester City player, and they may get what they want considering the Belgian international has three ‘Big Six’ clubs pursuing his signature.

Is Lavia now a priority target for Liverpool?

It does appear as if the Reds have stepped up their interest in the 19-year-old, but the absence of an offer does indicate that other midfielders are still being looked at.

Nice’s Khephren Thuram is also known to be another top target, and it could well be the case that Klopp and sporting director Jorg Schmadtke are deciding between the two as the club’s next signing after Alexis Mac Allister.

Interest from other clubs

Liverpool may not want to wait around too long, with Chelsea and Arsenal also keen on securing Lavia’s services. However, the two London clubs are not expected to make bids for the Belgian imminently.

The Blues’ priority is thought to be Brighton’s Moises Caicedo and an offer for the Ecuadorian could be submitted at the start of next month. The Gunners, meanwhile, are waiting to sell Thomas Partey before they make a move for Lavia.