Liverpool launched a fourth bid for Romeo Lavia last night, just hours after seeing a third one rejected by Southampton.
The Reds upped their offer for the 19-year-old to around £46m on Monday. But just as their previous two bids have been, it was turned down by Southampton [The Times].
According to journalist Ben Jacobs on Twitter though, Liverpool have already come back to Saints with another proposal.
“Understand Liverpool have already made another improved offer for Romeo Lavia after Southampton rejected their last £46m bid,” Jacobs reports.
“As ever with LFC they always have a top-end limit and if that number isn’t accepted tend to walk away. But what’s interesting is all clubs (especially those with traditionally stricter approaches to negotiation) are having to adapt to a unique window. Insiders across multiple clubs all say the formula of what constitutes ‘value’ has changed this summer.”
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Liverpool locked in Lavia stalemate
As of yet, there’s been no further confirmation that Liverpool have sent an improved offer to Southampton.
But having seen three already turned down, the Reds simply have to get it right a fourth time. If they continue to mess Saints around, there’s a danger they could refuse to do further business with Liverpool.
It’s been clear for a while what Southampton’s asking price is for Lavia. They want £50m. If the Reds can’t meet that having put forward so many proposals, then you couldn’t blame the South Coast side for walking away.
What is interesting is that Southampton do actually have a game tonight. Should Lavia feature for Russell Martin’s side against Gillingham, he’d be cup-tied for any future Carabao Cup games.
Although that shouldn’t stop Liverpool from wanting to sign a player Pep Guardiola called ‘incredible’ [mancity.com], it is worth thinking about. Whether the Belgian is involved tonight should give an indication of whether any deal is likely to happen soon.
Lavia remained on the bench throughout Southampton’s opening day win over Sheffield Wednesday on Friday. A similar stint tonight would perhaps suggest that a deal may be close.
If we see the former Manchester City man turning out at Priestfield though, frustration will mount for Liverpool fans. Let’s hope for some positive movement over the course of the day.