PREMIER LEAGUE
Romeo Lavia omitted from Southampton squad after Liverpool transfer bids
The 19-year-old was recently the subject of a £45 million bid as Jurgen Klopp looks to rebuild the Reds’ midfield.
Southampton midfielder Romeo Lavia is not in his side’s squad to face Gillingham tonight, as Liverpool continue to push for a deal for the 19-year-old.
On Monday the Saints rejected a third bid from Liverpool, thought to be worth around £46 million including add-ons. Southampton are holding out for £50 million for their young prospect.
Lavia was an unused substitute for his side’s Championship opener against Sheffield Wednesday last Friday amid mounting transfer speculation. The 19-year-old has already been a target for Chelsea and Arsenal this summer, but it is Liverpool who lead the way in the final weeks of the summer transfer window.
Lavia enjoyed a breakthrough season in 2022/23 in which he established himself as one of the most impressive young midfielders in the Premier League. The former Manchester City youngster was unable to keep the Saints in the league but he continues to attract the attention of major clubs.
Liverpool look for midfield rebuild
This summer has been one of change for Liverpool as Jurgen Klopp’s side look to bounce back from a disappointing fifth-place finish in the Premier League. A number of stalwarts from Klopp’s title-winning team have left the club, with five midfielders having now departed.
Naby Keita, James Milner and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain were all out of contract and expected to leave Anfield this summer. However the departures of Fabinho and club captain Jordan Henderson were not planned and the club are now looking to bring in extra bodies before the window closes at the end of this month.
Dominik Szoboszlai and Alexis Mac Allister have both been brought in but Liverpool supporters will be desperate to see another name added to the squad ahead of the new season.
On Monday evening Liverpool legend Jamie Carragher said the club’s struggle to land Romeo Lavia had become “embarrassing” and urged Liverpool to resolve the situation.
“This is embarrassing. If you don’t think he’s worth £50m move on. If you really want him, pay it,” Carragher wrote on Twitter.