Liverpool 'make contact over Romeo Lavia deal'

Liverpool are reportedly interested in joining the race to sign Southampton midfielder Romeo Lavia.

Since the early months of the year, it has been an open secret that Jurgen Klopp will sign multiple players for the centre of the pitch during the summer.

Liverpool have already moved to pull off a major coup by securing a deal for Brighton & Hove Albion star Alexis Mac Allister on a long-term deal.

As it stands, though, a second fresh face is yet to join the World Cup winner, despite the amount of midfielders that Liverpool have been linked with over recent weeks.

Nice's Khephren Thuram and Borussia Monchengladbach's Manu Kone are both said to be under serious consideration having starred for their respective clubs during 2022-23.

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However, Liverpool are yet to press ahead with signing either player, and it is now alleged that they have a different prospect in mind if they can edge out rival interest.

According to the Daily Mail, the Merseyside giants have made contact with Southampton to enquiry about the availability of Lavia.

The 19-year-old has just enjoyed an eye-catching first year at St Mary's, making 26 starts and three substitute outings in all competitions.

With Manchester City possessing a buy-back clause that becomes active in 2024, the Saints are effectively in a position where they can cash in this summer for a marginally higher fee or run the risk of recouping less if City back up their admiration of the player.

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Arsenal are allegedly regarded as the favourites to sign the Belgium international, reports suggesting that an offer of £45m may be enough to get a deal over the line.

Nevertheless, Liverpool are said to have asked Southampton about the criteria that will need to be met in order to agree terms over a transfer.

As it stands, it is unclear whether Liverpool will be prepared to match any bid made by Arsenal, or if Lavia is ready to shun interest from the Gunners in favour of a return to the North West.

Manchester United and Chelsea have also been credited as admirers of Lavia, who made his debut for the Belgium senior team as recently as March.