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Liverpool have already had two bids rejected for Lavia, the second believed to be worth around £41million in total; still some way short of the £50million price tag.
Romeo Lavia's future at Southampton took a fresh twist on Friday night as he played no part in the Saints' Championship opener against Sheffield Wednesday.
The highly rated 19-year-old has been heavily linked with an exit from Saint Mary's Stadium this summer, with Arsenal also interested, before their priorities turned elsewhere.
Liverpool have already had two bids rejected for Lavia, the second believed to be worth around £41million in total; still some way short of the £50million price tag.
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21:59 - 01.08.2023
FOOTBALL: Liverpool exploring other alternatives after latest Romeo Lavia bid rejected by Southampton
Liverpool are reportedly frustrated Southampton have rejected their latest offer for the youngster have been rejected and are now looking at alternatives, including a Brazilian midfielder.
The Reds had decided to explore other alternatives after their second bid was rejected according to The Athletic, but still had not fully given up on wanting him.
All eyes associated with the club were naturally tuned to Southampton's game against Sheffield Wednesday on Friday night as the teenager was set to start.
New Saints boss Russell Martin had insisted that Lavia would feature in his pre-match press conference, but the midfielder was named on the bench and failed to even get on.
“Both will be involved as it stands, I don’t know if anything will change between now and then," Martin said when asked if Lavia and James Ward-Prowse would play vs Sheffield Wednesday. "Do I think they will be Southampton players by the end of the window? I have not got a clue. What I hope and what I think are probably very different.”
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15:52 - 26.07.2023
FOOTBALL Romeo Lavia increasingly likely to join Liverpool - Reports
The Belgian international has been identified by Jurgen Klopp as Fabiho's successor.
Speaking after the match, Martin said: "Of course there will be people going, and when they do go hopefully we will be able to add to the group with players that suit us, and will help the group.
"But the transfer window is chaotic. Fortunately we have [director of football] Jason Wilcox who is in charge of that and has been amazing since we came in, keeping abreast of everything, really open and honest with the ownership group as well.
It remains to be seen if the South Coast club's continued hardball stance means Liverpool must meet the full £50m asking price in order to sign the young Belgian.
Reds boss Jurgen Klopp admitted on Tuesday from the tour in Singapore that his side needs more new signings this summer, with the squad not possessing a proven defensive midfielder.
Another potential engine room target has emerged in Fluminense midfielder Andre. Reports in Brazil suggest the 22-year-old is valued at around £20m - but his club may be reluctant to sell given it is midway through their season.
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