Southampton reportedly believe Romeo Lavia’s move to Liverpool will come down to if the player actually wants to join the Anfield side this window.
According to journalist Ben Jacobs, the Saints are willing to accept Liverpool’s offer for the 19-year-old midfielder as well as Chelsea’s package for Lavia, who could finally be leaving Southampton this week.
As per Jacobs, the situation is ‘moving quite rapidly’ as Liverpool this morning launched a £60m offer to sign Lavia, with Chelsea yet to match the Reds bid for the Belgian international.
However, there is seemingly a sense that Southampton will still accept both bids, with Lavia’s personal decision to be the decider on which club wins the race for the talented midfielder.
With the teenager making it known all summer he is keen on signing for Liverpool, there’s a good chance that the Reds remain the favourites to sign the youngster.
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Yet as we know, things can change quickly in football, and Lavia could opt to move to Chelsea if promises are made that will feature regularly for the west London side.
Liverpool have to sell the project to Lavia
With no recognised defensive midfielder in the squad, Lavia joining Liverpool would see the Southampton star trusted into the starting XI almost the second he touches Merseyside soil.
Moreover, given how obvious it is that Lavia won’t be starting for Chelsea should Moises Caicedo be signed, the midfielder will be handed a chance to develop and shine for Liverpool unopposed.
European football and an actual shot at the title could also sweeten the deal for Lavia, who likely knows deep down that moving to Anfield is the best move possible for his career.