Liverpool have a £50m star at the top of their shortlist but are not ready to make a move for him just yet.
Liverpool are not yet ready to make a transfer for Southampton midfielder Romeo Lavia, and Italian journalist Rudy Galetti told GIVEMESPORT why.
According to Galetti, the Reds have the 19-year-old at the top of their shortlist but are currently reluctant to play for him.
Liverpool Transfer News — Romeo Lavia
Fabrizio Romano also informed GIVEMESPORT that Lavia is currently a name on Liverpool’s radar.
The Merseyside club will likely need to sign a midfielder or two before the transfer window closes due to the possible departures of Jordan Henderson and Fabinho. According to BBC Sport, Saudi outfit Al-Ettifaq have inked a deal with Liverpool to sign the former, while the same outlet says the latter has been the subject of a £40m offer from Al-Ittihad.
If Lavia replaces either man, a Sky Sports report says it could cost Liverpool £50m.
What did Rudy Galetti say about Romeo Lavia and Liverpool?
Galetti says Liverpool have not yet made a transfer to Lavia due to Southampton’s appreciation of the player.
Speaking to GIVEMESPORT, the journalist said: “Romeo Lavia remains a real option for Liverpool to strengthen their midfield and is one of the names at the top of the list. “I was told that the Reds have considered a concrete move, but are hesitating a bit because the price is considered too high. However, we can confirm that he is one of [Jurgen] Klopp’s most appreciated profiles.”
Are Liverpool interested in other midfielders?
Reports would indicate yes and it is highly likely they will need to sign someone other than Lavia if they lose both Henderson and Fabinho.
So who can join Lavia at Anfield or be a possible alternative to him? According to The Telegraph, Liverpool are eyeing Fulham’s Joao Palhinha. A move to Klopp’s side could entice him, with Sky Sports journalist Dharmesh Sheth hinting earlier this month that he may decide he wants a fresh challenge later in the transfer window.
However, the Merseyside club will not be granted a free ride for the Portuguese international as The Guardian reports West Ham have already rejected a £45m offer for him.
Palhinha is clearly in demand and it’s easy to see why following his debut season in the Premier League. According to FBref, the Fulham star made 147 tackles last season, more than any other player in the top flight.
Whether it’s Palhinha or Lavia, who has “incredible quality” in the words of his former teammate Nathan Redmond, Liverpool are in a position where they definitely need to sign another midfielder. Neither player will be cheap, but midfield is not an area of the pitch Klopp can ignore if he is to get his side back to where they were.
