Liverpool see first bid for Romeo Lavia rejected by Southampton

• Southampton midfielder Romeo Lavia has attracted interest from various Premier League clubs
• Liverpool are leading the race to sign the midfielder from the relegated club
• The Reds have however seen their first bid for Lavia rejected by Southampton

Liverpool have seen their first bid to secure the services of Southampton midfielder Romeo Lavia hit a roadblock, as the Saints turned down a bid of £35 million plus add-ons from the Reds. Despite already signing Alexis Mac Allister from Brighton & Hove Albion and Dominik Szoboszlai from RB Leipzig earlier in the transfer window, Liverpool is eager to continue strengthening their squad.

The battle for Lavia’s signature had intensified in July, with Liverpool facing competition from Arsenal and Chelsea. The need for reinforcements became more pressing due to the potential departures of Fabinho and Jordan Henderson. Fabinho’s move to Al Ittihad encountered some delay as negotiations continued over the £40 million deal structure and payment schedule. On the other hand, Henderson seemed destined to reunite with his former teammate Steven Gerrard at Al Ettifaq, in a deal that promised him a lucrative salary.

Liverpool’s initial offer for Lavia consisted of £35 million with additional performance-related payments, but it fell far short of Southampton’s valuation. The Saints are reportedly holding out for a fee of at least £50 million for the talented 19-year-old midfielder, who showcased remarkable skills during the previous season despite the club’s relegation to the Championship.

Southampton have rejected the first bid for midfielder Romeo Lavia from Liverpool. | PHOTO: Sky Sports |

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Southampton is in no hurry to offload Lavia, especially given the potential earnings from the sale of their captain, James Ward-Prowse. Unless Liverpool or any other interested party meets the club’s valuation, the Saints are content to retain the young midfielder at St Mary’s.

Lavia made a remarkable impact during his debut season at Southampton after transferring from Manchester City last summer. Despite having only two senior-level appearances prior to his move, he swiftly established himself as one of Europe’s most promising young midfielders.

Manchester City retains a buy-back clause for Lavia, valued at £40 million, which will become active next summer if he remains at Southampton. While Arsenal and Chelsea remain interested in the player and are closely monitoring the situation, Manchester United and Newcastle, who had previously expressed interest, have shifted their focus to other targets and have not made recent contact regarding Lavia.

As Liverpool’s pursuit of Romeo Lavia continues, it remains to be seen whether they can bridge the gap between their offer and Southampton’s valuation. The young midfielder’s potential and impressive performances have caught the attention of several top clubs, making him one of the most sought-after talents in the transfer market.