Liverpool are set to sell two first-team stars before the end of the summer window, sources tell Football Insider.
The Merseysiders plan to sign a midfielder and a centre-back, both for the first team, as they seek to join already established players Dominik Szoboszlai and Alexis Mac Allister for a total of £95m plus add-ons complementary.
If Liverpool, as expected, secure those crucial two wins, with Southampton’s Romeo Lavia now their primary target, there will be departures.
The most likely of them is Thiago Alcantara, who is attracting a lot of interest in Saudi Arabia and will be allowed to leave by Liverpool if he wishes.
But he won’t be the only big name to leave Anfield before the window closes in early September. It is believed there will be another senior star exit as Liverpool look to make room on their wage bill for newcomers.
Lavia has been targeted by Jurgen Klopp and the club’s recruitment team are looking for a defensive midfielder with his best years ahead of him.
He caught Liverpool’s attention with a string of impressive performances for Southampton in his debut Premier League campaign last season and sources say he is seen as a “beast” who can break up play, seal space in which the opponents operate and lay the foundations for the team’s offensive play.
Football Insider revealed on Friday that Southampton star duo Lavia and James Ward-Prowse are “fully expected” to return to the Premier League with a departure from St Mary’s Stadium this transfer window.
However, Liverpool are believed to be currently only willing to offer around £40m for Lavia as negotiations continue, while Southampton are believed to be expecting a figure closer to £50m.
