Liverpool are reportedly lining up a second offer for Romeo Lavia as a deal for the midfielder looks increasingly likely, and it could clear things up at Anfield.
Liverpool are working to pull together a number of different things this summer, with Jürgen Klopp’s side undergoing a series of changes across the pitch that will need to be incorporated as quickly as possible.
It is in the midfield that the most significant changes have taken place. Six senior options will have left Liverpool since the end of last season if Fabinho is now following Jordan Henderson after the 33-year-old confirmed his departure, and Alexis Mac Allister and Dominik Szoboszlai are the only ones through the door at the moment, however. Romeo Lavia could be another addition.
However, there are other things Liverpool staff need to sort out as well. The offensive ranks are full in anticipation of more additions, but now there will be a battle for places and there are other big decisions to be made as well.
Attacking pecking order becomes clear
With Mohamed Salah, Luis Díaz, Darwin Núñez, Diogo Jota and Cody Gakpo all fit and battling for places at the moment, Jurgen Klopp has a lot to think about as the new season approaches.
There won’t necessarily be a ‘first choice’ in the top three, but Liverpool will have to select players to face Chelsea on the opening day of the new season and some will have to go without.
All five strikers are unlikely to stay fit throughout the season and with the Europa League there will be plenty of minutes for everyone.
But it will be fascinating as the friendlies progress to see who emerges as the early runners, especially for the congested number nine position where three of the five would like to be.
New transfer arrive
New transfers arrive
New transfers arrive
New transfers arrive
New transfers arrive
New transfers arrive
Liverpool have admired Lavia for some time and Fabrizio Romano reports that a second offer worth $58m (£45m/€53m) including hammer price is to be made for him. ex-Manchester City star.
Klopp has already confirmed that there are more signings on the horizon this summer and Lavia can’t be the only one. Alongside him, another midfielder is a must if both follow Fabinho Jordan Henderson out, while a defender would be a huge plus.
Joel Matip and Joe Gomez both remain uncertain and Liverpool could use another option on the left. However, it remains to be seen which player will be targeted, with the midfielder having immediate priority.
Midfield situation clarified
Midfield situation clarified
Midfield situation clarified
Midfield situation clarified
Once the transfers arrive, it will be interesting to see how Liverpool line up in midfield. A new defensive midfielder looks likely if Fabinho leaves, while Alexis Mac Allister and Dominik Szoboszlai will have to fight to strip Curtis Jones after the way he finished last season. There is also Harvey Elliott.
As in attack, there will be no certain squad from the start to the end of the season, but Liverpool will need to find a first choice team. Only a limited number of positions will be stitched up for the first few weeks of the campaign, and those will likely be four in defense and in goal.
Born in Preston, 19-year-old defender Luke Chambers is a young talent who looks like a prime loan candidate. The youngster impressed at Kilmarnock last season. But others could also be potential candidates. Ben Doak impressed in pre-season but the question is how many minutes he could get for the Reds at senior level next season and Bobby Clark is another who looks set to take the next step.
There are good reasons for the three young talents to follow Harvey Elliott’s path and rise to the top of the championship to push even further. These decisions will all be made over the next few weeks.
