Liverpool have tabled an improved bid for Romeo Lavia but are also exploring a deal for Andre of Fluminense if Southampton’s valuation for their teenage midfielder remains high.
Sky Sports News understands the new offer from the Merseysiders is still below an initial £40m, with Saints wanting £50m for the Belgian international.
The total package is closer to that asking price but if a compromise cannot be reached, Liverpool are considering alternative options, which include Andre.
Southampton rejected an opening offer of £34m plus £4m in add-ons from Liverpool last week.
Lavia, also of interest to Chelsea, remains keen on a switch to Anfield but Sky Sports News understands personal terms with both clubs are not expected to be a problem.
Lavia has four years left on his Southampton contract after joining from Manchester City last summer but is expected to leave after Saints were relegated from the Premier League at the end of last season.
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Here’s a look at why some of the Premier League’s elite are targeting a move for Southampton midfielder Romeo Lavia.
Jurgen Klopp has already brought in two new midfielders this summer after the arrivals of Alexis Mac Allister from Brighton in a £35m deal, followed by that of Dominik Szoboszlai from RB Leipzig for £60m.
Those new signings have replaced departing midfielders James Milner, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Naby Keita, while captain Jordan Henderson and Brazil international Fabinho have both recently moved to the Saudi Pro League.
Analysis: Lavia will help take Liverpool’s midfield into new era
Sky Sports’ Peter Smith:
“Landing Romeo Lavia would complete Liverpool’s midfield overhaul, with the Belgian forming a new-look box with fellow summer signings Dominik Szoboszlai and Alexis Mac Allister, alongside Trent Alexander-Arnold, who looks certain to step out of defence.
“With Jordan Henderson, James Milner, Naby Keita, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, Fabinho and potentially Thiago Alcantara heading out of the club, it is a huge shake-up. But investment in midfield has been a long time coming at Liverpool and problems in that area of the pitch contributed significantly to their struggles last season.
“Expect anchor Lavia to play a prominent role in this coming campaign but at 19 years old he is undoubtedly set for a bright future. He led the way among U21 players for tackles, interceptions and blocked shots in 2022/23 but also has the on-ball skills required to play at the top end of the Premier League.
“A captain through the youth levels and now a Belgium international, Lavia ticks all the boxes for Liverpool – someone who can have a transformative impact now but also go on to become a key component for the Reds in years to come. The new era has arrived.”
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