Liverpool are not prepared to pay £50m for the signing of Southampton midfielder Romeo Lavia this summer, according to renowned journalist James Pearce.
The Reds have been heavily linked with a move for Lavia as Jurgen Klopp looks to strengthen his midfield after losing Naby Keita, James Milner, and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain following the expiration of their contracts in June.
Jordan Henderson and Fabinho, who were both part of Klopp’s plans for next season have also completed their transfers to the Saudi Pro League, creating a huge void in midfield.
Liverpool’s initial bid worth £34m plus £4m in add-ons for Lavia was rejected by Southampton. Their improved bid was also turned down with the Saints standing firm on their asking price.
The Belgium U-21 international is also attracting interest from Chelsea, Arsenal, and Manchester United, however, he wants to move to Anfield.
He is expected to feature in Southampton’s Championship opener against Sheffield Wednesday on Friday evening.
The Merseysiders will now be considering alternative options which include Fluminense’s Andre. The Reds have already made contact with the Brazilian club over the 22-year-old, who is valued at around £20m.
But Fluminense are reluctant to allow him to leave until the end of their season, making an arrival before January unlikely unless Liverpool make a huge offer to prise him away from Brazil.
Liverpool remain interested in signing Bayern Munich midfielder Ryan Gravenberch and are considering also a surprise move for Leicester City midfielder Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall.
The Reds have already secured the signing of Alexis Mac Allister and Dominik Szoboszlai but they are expected to add at least two more midfielders to their squad.
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