Southampton midfielder Romeo Lavia is hoping to try and wrap up a move to Liverpool by the end of the day.
Lavia has been the subject of three bids from the Reds this summer, all of which have been turned down. If the latest reports are to be believed, Liverpool are already set to come back with a fourth.
And according to Belgian journalist Sacha Tavolieri, the player himself is already dead-set on the move. Writing on Twitter, Tavolieri claimed that Lavia wasn’t present at Saints training this morning and will not be involved in today’s Carabao Cup tie with Gillingham.
“Romeo Lavia not included today on the Cup game with Saints FC and was not at the training camp this morning,” said the journalist.
“Player’s side looking for closing the deal today between Liverpool FC & Southampton FC.”
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Lavia pushing for Liverpool move
Unfortunately for Lavia, it really isn’t up to him whether he signs for Liverpool today. By the sounds of things, if that were the case, it would have been done and dusted a long time ago.
Rather, it’s reliant on the Reds pulling their fingers out and matching what Southampton are asking.
Lavia clearly already wants the move. It’s encouraging to hear that he won’t be involved for Saints tonight, but that doesn’t mean that things are especially close.
For things to move forward, Liverpool need to up their offer once again.
Some will argue that the Reds have done their best and should walk away from a deal that is going above market value. But that would be to ignore Lavia’s talent.
Pep Guardiola called him ‘incredible’ last season [mancity.com] and there’s every chance that the reported £50m valuation looks like a bargain in the near future.
From the outside looking in, it would appear simple. Liverpool want the player, the player wants to join, Southampton have rejected £46m and want around £50m. Things are clearly not too far apart, but it also doesn’t feel like something that gets sorted today. Hopefully we’re proven wrong.