Latest update on: Romeo Lavia and Andre as the search for the Liverpool midfielder takes a new turn

Liverpool’s second offer for Romeo Lavia has been rejected as the club assess interest in Fluminese midfielder Andre

At Liverpool, a second offer for Romeo Lavia has been rejected – and contacts have been made with Fluminese over defensive midfielder Andre, as the search for technical reinforcements widens.

Southampton have been offered an improved package of around £41million for Belgian midfielder Romeo Lavia.

However, it is understood that this was denied. It remains to be seen whether the south coast club’s firm stance means Liverpool have no choice but to pay the £50m asking price to sign the 19-year-old.

Lavia was seen as Liverpool’s next big target this summer as they seek to address a lack of defensive midfield options following the surprise departures of Fabinho and Jordan Henderson to Saudi Arabia. The Reds saw an opening bid of £34m plus £4m in surcharges rejected by Southampton last week and have been considering their next move ever since.

And while the player has reportedly expressed a desire to join Jurgen Klopp’s side, Saints are reluctant to compromise on what they believe is the right valuation of a player they bought from Manchester City for a fee. initial £12m last season.

Klopp admitted during the Singapore tour on Tuesday that Liverpool need more signings this summer as the team lack a proven defensive midfielder.

Despite continued uncertainty over his future, Lavia trained with Southampton on Tuesday. His current side, relegated from the Premier League last season, begin their league campaign on Friday at Sheffield on Wednesday. Liverpool, who have taken in at least £52m from Fabinho and Henderson sales, are open-minded about their other midfield options and are also considering a move for a left-back in this transfer window.

Another possible target is Fluminense midfielder Andre. Interest from Liverpool is real and reports from Brazil suggest the 22-year-old is worth around £20million – but his club may be reluctant to sell as he finds himself halfway through the season. Complications could arise if the Brazilian transfer window closes soon and Fluminense doesn’t have time to find a replacement.