Journalist claims there’s no way Liverpool sign £40m player this week, it will ‘drag on’

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Liverpool won’t be signing Romeo Lavia any time soon, as they refuse to meet Southampton’s asking price.

The Reds appear to have installed Lavia as their number one target for the remainder of the transfer window. But according to journalist Graeme Bailey, a move is far from imminent, and may not actually happen at all.

“The issue is that Southampton are demanding £50m for him, nobody’s paying £50m for Romeo Lavia,” Bailey told 90min’s Talking Transfers Podcast. “I think the clubs believe that a deal of 40 [million pounds] and under will get it done eventually, and I probably believe that as well. I think with add-on’s that’ll happen.

“But it does mean this one isn’t going to get done this week, it will drag on for a few weeks. He may even start the season at Southampton, something he doesn’t want to do. He doesn’t want to play in the Championship.

“As it stands, interestingly, Lavia hasn’t really signified which club he wants to join as well, which is sensible. You put all your eggs in one basket and you are literally doing that. You’re taking a risk if they don’t come with it. I think Lavia’s fairly open where he wants to go, so a few twists and turns to come here.

“I really, at this moment in time, wouldn’t like to put a bet on where he’s going. I think if Arsenal get rid of Partey, I have a slight feeling they’ll be pushing Chelsea for him.”

Liverpool made to play the waiting game

Any Reds hoping for some more movement in the market may be disappointed by this.

If Liverpool really are focusing all of their attention on Lavia – and it seems as though they are – it appears that nothing will happen for a while.

Of course, it doesn’t have to be that way. We’re sure that if the Reds stumped up the £50m asking price for the Belgium international, they could have him through the door in no time.

But that does seem like a hefty price to pay. As good as Lavia is, there’s a reason none of Liverpool, Arsenal or Chelsea have put up the cash for him so far.

At 19, the former Manchester City does represent a risk. We think that even £40m is a lot for a player who has been relegated in his only season as a senior pro.

Nevertheless, 40 would be much more palatable and could even reportedly be reached in ‘creative’ ways such as player exchanges.

With other clubs in for Lavia too, it remains to be seen if Liverpool have alternatives on their list. By the sounds of things they may well need them. Long way to go in this one.