Liverpool are waiting to make a second bid for Romeo Lavia until Fabinho leaves the club.
That’s according to journalist Sacha Tavolieri, who has told fans not to worry as a deal will still be done once the Brazilian’s departure is confirmed.
The Reds saw their opening bid worth £40 million rejected for the midfielder earlier this week and, while they were hoping to welcome Lavia to the club ahead of their pre-season trip to Singapore, they will now wait for Fabinho to move before continuing their pursuit.
Tavolieri tweeted: ‘As far as I know, there’s no need to worry for Romeo Lavia’s to Liverpool. Reds were busy to close the Fabinho’s deal today and every part involved were waiting for this deal to be done before a new movement after yesterday morning verbal bid around 45M£ deal, bonus included.
‘Things are taking their time but there’s a confidence – as from #LFC than at #SaintsFC – a deal would be done.’
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The 29-year-old has agreed a £40m deal to join Saudi Arabian side Al-Ittihad this summer and Fabrizio Romano reported yesterday that Fabinho had completed his medical ahead of the switch, meaning a deal could be completed before the weekend concludes.
Southampton are still holding out for £50m to part ways with Lavia this summer and it is thought an improved offer from Liverpool could turn their heads.
The 19-year-old joined the Saints for an initial £10.5m fee last year and Lavia’s ‘tremendous‘ performances quickly caught the eye, despite the club’s relegation to the Championship.
The Belgian is unlikely to join Liverpool in time for clashes with Leicester City and Bayern Munich over the next week, but could well be sporting red in time for their final pre-season match against Darmstadt at the start of August.
Chelsea could still attempt to hijack Liverpool’s deal for Romeo Lavia
While Romeo Lavia has already agreed personal terms with Liverpool and is thought to be eager to make the move to Merseyside, Ben Jacobs has reported that Chelsea are preparing to make their own bid for the midfielder.
The Blues have already seen an £80m bid rejected for Brighton’s Moises Caicedo and could instead look to hijack the Reds’ deal for Lavia – a year after they made their own £50m offer for the teenager.
However, Jacobs has claimed that a move to Anfield still remains more likely, but Liverpool will have to speed up negotiations if they are to land their target.