Transfers

Claim From Belgium: Preference Of Chelsea And Liverpool Target Romeo Lavia Hasn’t Changed

14/08/2023 - 10:46 BST

Shub Banerjee

Romeo Lavia has always had Liverpool as his preferred destination, despite being willing to go to Chelsea when they agreed a fee with Southampton, according to Belgian journalist Sacha Tavolieri.

The 19-year-old is subject to a tug of war between Premier League giants Liverpool and Chelsea this summer.

Liverpool failed with their initial three bids to agree a deal with Southampton, who slapped a £50m price tag on the player.

It was said Lavia is keen on joining Jurgen Klopp’s side this summer, but Chelsea came in with a £55m bid for the player.

Now the Reds have submitted a new £60m bid and have agreed a deal for Lavia with Southampton, as they look to hijack the swoop.

The Belgian was claimed to be ready to go to Chelsea, but it is suggested that his preference has always been a move to Liverpool if it could happen.

Lavia made 29 appearances for Southampton last season and Klopp is an admirer of the teenager’s talents.

Liverpool need a defensive midfielder and could be set to pay £60m for a player they were unwilling to pay £50m for just days ago.