Liverpool have failed with a first bid to sign Southampton midfielder Romeo Lavia as they hold out for a £50million fee.
Southampton have snubbed Liverpool’s opening offer of a round £37million for midfielder Romeo Lavia.
That is according to The Athletic, who report that Liverpool have submitted their first bid for Lavia.
The Reds have put £37million on the table and Southampton have said no, standing firm on their £50million demands.
Liverpool are £13million away from a deal and must now attempt to bridge the gap.
This comes after Belgian reporter Sacha Tavolieri reported earlier this morning that Liverpool would open the bidding at around £35million.
That offer has now materialised with Tavolieri claiming that Lavia has already agreed personal terms with Liverpool.
The Reds are keen to move for Lavia as a new holding midfield option with Fabinho wanted in Saudi Arabia.
Southampton aren’t backing down even after their relegation though and Liverpool will have to significantly increase their bid.
Liverpool will continue pushing for Romeo Lavia
Fabrizio Romano reports that Jason Wilcox – Southampton’s new director of football – is leading talks and is insisting on a £50million deal.
Romano adds that Liverpool will ‘keep working’ on a deal for Lavia in the hope of securing an agreement.
Lavia joined Southampton from Manchester City last summer in a deal worth around £12million.
As part of that deal, City hold a £40million buy-back clause – but that can only be activated in 2024.
Liverpool are now hoping to sign Lavia before City can activate that clause, but it always felt unlikely that Lavia would be playing in the Championship.
Lavia showed enough potential in the Premier League last season to stay in the top flight.
Liverpool clearly feel the same away and are now making their move with the Reds just £13million away from a deal.
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