Liverpool have tabled a second bid worth £45m including bonuses for the signing of Southampton midfielder Romeo Lavia, according to renowned journalist Sacha Tavolieri.
The Reds are in a hurry to complete the deal in time ahead of their pre-season trip to Singapore with Chelsea and Arsenal also interested in acquiring his services.
Southampton turned down Liverpool’s first offer worth £34m plus £4m in add-ons as the newly relegated side wants £50m for the 19-year-old.
Lavia moved to the St Mary’s Stadium last summer from Premier League champions Manchester City and currently has four years left on his contract, therefore, Russell Martin’s outfit are under no pressure to sell.
Pep Guardiola’s outfit are entitled to 20 percent of any fee received for his services, hence Southampton are firm on their asking price.
Sacha Tavolieri claims that talks are still ongoing between Liverpool and Southampton over the final structure of the deal including achievable bonuses. Russell Martin’s side are keen on getting the deal done so they could focus on replacing the highly-rated midfielder.
It is believed that the Merseysiders have agreed personal terms with Lavia and once the Saints agree on the deal, he will undergo his medical and join Jurgen Klopp’s squad for their pre-season tour.
Lavia was one of the standout players for Southampton last season – featuring in 34 games and making two goal contritions across all competitions.
The Belgium U-21 international was in action for Southampton in their 3-2 defeat to Bournemouth in a pre-season friendly – playing only 45 minutes on Tuesday night.
Liverpool have already signed Alexis Mac Allister and Dominik Szoboszlai and are still in the market to make further midfield reinforcements.
Jordan Henderson and Fabinho are close to moving to Saudi Arabia with the former already saying his goodbye in an emotional video posted on Wednesday evening.
The Merseysiders have been linked with a move for several midfielders including Crystal Palace’s Cheick Doucoure, Fiorentina’s Sofyan Amrabat, Bayern Munich’s Ryan Gravenberch, and Manchester City’s Kalvin Phillips.
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