Lavia Left Out of Southampton Squad
Liverpool target Romeo Lavia has been left out of Southampton’s matchday squad to face Gillingham in the Carabao Cup, as tense negotiations over the player continue between the two clubs.
A deal for Lavia seems almost inevitable, with Liverpool’s reported third bid of £46 million inching close to the Saints’ £50 million asking price. Had Lavia played a part in the Carabao Cup clash he would have been cup-tied for the rest of the tournament, potentially denting his value.
Belgian journalist Sacha Tavolieri added that Lavia was also took no part in training in the morning, and that the player’s representatives were “looking to close the deal today”.
🔴🇧🇪🚨 Roméo #Lavia not included today on the Cup game with #SaintsFC and was not at the training camp this morning. Player’s side looking for closing the deal today between #LiverpoolFC & #SouthamptonFC.
🔜 More to follow. #PL #LFC pic.twitter.com/YKjmkJ2cEP— Sacha Tavolieri (@sachatavolieri) August 8, 2023
Prior to the latest bid the Reds had seen offers of £37 million and £41 million dismissed, but currently facing the prospect of going into the season with no recognised senior number six following the departures of Fabinho and Jordan Henderson are increasingly likely to bow to Southampton’s demands. All that remains to be seen is the structure of the deal, with Liverpool no doubt keen to avoid paying the full £50 million up front.
With Lavia seemingly the club’s priority it is unclear where they may turn should a deal not be struck, but Liverpool have previous when it comes to actively pursuing one player just to sign an unlinked alternative at the last minute, so there could still be a twist in this tale yet.
