Chelsea are closing in on signing Romeo Lavia after interest from Liverpool.
Southampton director of football Jason Wilcox has admitted Liverpool have accepted a bid for Romeo Lavia, but Chelsea are leading the way.
The Reds had previously rejected three offers culminating in £45m for the 19-year-old midfielder. Jurgen Klopp’s men are to replace Fabinho and Jordan Henderson, who have moved to Saudi clubs Al-Ittihad and Al-Ettihad respectively.
Liverpool attempted to sign Moises Caicedo from Brighton for £110m, but Chelsea offered £5m more and won the bid to sign him. Now the Stamford Bridge side are closing in on signing Lavia, despite the Reds eventually meeting Southampton’s assessment.
Speaking on BBC Radio’s Solent Fans’ Forum, Wilcox said: “I think you know, it’s common knowledge that we’ve had a lot of interest in Romeo, we’ve had an offer which we’ve accepted from Liverpool.
“Then Chelsea came to the table. So we are currently negotiating with Chelsea, so it’s a very difficult time for Romeo. But I’m confident that something will be done in the next week or so or in the next few days.
“And I think, you know, if we look at what Romeo has achieved here, I think none of us here want to lose him, but the reality is that we are in the championship and we have to reinvest it and see it through With the purchase of Shea Charles, we have another person we hope we can do the same with. So good luck to Romeo. Let’s assume he’s not ready yet. But we assume he will be. ready in the next few days.
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Roméo Lavia’s alternative has been found and contacted by Liverpool amid a $60 million message.
Liverpool transfer news: The Reds are exploring alternatives amidst their latest offer for Roméo Lavia. They are also said to be retaining interest in a $60 million term option.
With less than two weeks left to go into the new season, time is running out for Liverpool if they are to sort out their squad in time for Chelsea.
With the confirmation of Fabinho’s departure and the continuation of Brazil’s Jordan Henderson to Saudi Arabia, the Reds’ need for new midfielders has once again grown, and it’s not the only position needing reinforcements.
Jürgen Klopp will also know his side could use a new defensive addition, but with the unexpected departure of two of his senior operators in the center of the park, attention has shifted back to midfield.
Roméo Lavia looks like the most likely option to join before the start of the new season, although Liverpool are stalling the Southampton lad’s approach. Looks like alternatives are being sought if he fails to land it.
And despite the obvious need for midfielders and defenders, the Reds continue to be associated with a particular attacking option.
Romeo Lavia (Southampton) and Andre (Fluminense)
According to Sky Sports’ Melissa Reddy, Liverpool have made an improved offer for Roméo Lavia but have also identified Fluminense midfielder André as a possible alternative.
The new offer for Lavia is said to be closer to Southampton’s asking price, but still below the initial $51m (£40m/€47m) excluding surcharges. The Reds would consider other options if they feel the Saints’ valuation remains overstated, including Andre’s. His club has been officially contacted by Liverpool.
Liverpool.com says: With less than two weeks left to start the season, Liverpool really need to go one step further and find a replacement for Fabinho. You can understand why the club think the fee is excessive, but at the same time they need to strike a deal for Lavia.
As for André, it would be a surprise if Liverpool signed a player straight from South America, and more so as an alternative to Lavia. Having lost Fabinho and Henderson, he should definitely be considered as another option alongside the teenager. Federico Chiesa (Juventus)
Liverpool remain interested in Federico Chiesa, according to La Gazzetta Dello Sport (via Paisley Gates).
According to the Italian outlet, Juventus are ready to sack the 25-year-old if given an “indispensable” offer, while Liverpool are “vigilant” about the situation. A recent Corriere dello Sport report suggested Juventus would seek compensation of around $60m (£47m/€55m).
Says Liverpool.com: While it’s clear Liverpool have higher priorities to address, the links to Chiesa continue to emerge. Simply put, it’s an arrangement that makes virtually no sense on any level. The Italy international has a poor injury record, Liverpool are already well-placed up front and there’s virtually no chance the Reds will spend $60m after first sorting out their midfield and defensive needs. If Juventus want to get rid of them, they will have to look elsewhere.
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