The Belgium international produced a number of impressive performances last term despite the Saints’ relegation from the Premier League.
And now Southampton are keen to cash in on Lavia as they look to balance the books now they are back in the Championship.
A report yesterday claimed that Arsenal will ‘push Liverpool all the way’ for the signing of Lavia with Thomas Partey now likely to leave for Saudi Arabia this summer.
Belgium journalist Sacha Tavolieri revealed last week that Liverpool were waiting for Jordan Henderson’s future to be resolved before potentially bidding for Lavia.
Tavolieri wrote on Twitter: “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 waiting for making space in the midfield in order to make a step forward. Personal terms not a problem anymore.”
And now Spanish publication Sport have provided a boost to Liverpool and Arsenal’s chances of landing Lavia this summer with the news that ‘there’s no way’ for Barcelona to persuade Southampton to allow him to leave on loan to La Liga.
Barcelona are still in a sticky financial situation and are unlikely to commit to a big fee this summer with the Catalan giants now backing out and leaving Jurgen Klopp’s men to ‘try to sign him’.And former CBS Sports journalist Ben Jacobs has confirmed that interest from Liverpool in Lavia is definitely “genuine” but their valuation remains different to Southampton’s.
Jacobs wrote in his Caught Offside column: “Liverpool will likely add another midfielder and Romeo Lavia is quite high on the list of options. Lavia would be keen on the move, but price is currently a stumbling block. Southampton want £50m for Lavia and Liverpool don’t see him as being worth anywhere near that much.
“Liverpool view Lavia’s £40m buyback clause – active in 2024 for Manchester City only – as a kind of top-end yardstick for valuation. Given Southampton have been relegated, and Lavia is open to a move, it wouldn’t surprise me if starting offers, should they arrive, were more around the low or mid-£30m mark.
“It’s fair to say Liverpool’s interest is genuine, but there has been no offer yet and there won’t be unless Southampton drop their price. Liverpool generally only move on their terms and timescale.
“The recruitment team at Anfield are extremely smart and read the market well. That’s why I think Liverpool are in for an extremely productive window.”
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