Liverpool is still trying to recruit Khephren Thuram, but they have increased their interest in Southampton midfielder Romeo Lavia.
Lavia has now materialized as a viable alternative for Liverpool as they narrow down their short list of midfielders. Journalist Fabrizio Romano, though, stated that the Reds are aiming to sign the 19-year-old in addition to Thuram when he spoke to CaughtOffside today.
Yesterday, there was also news that Liverpool had entered the race for Romeo Lavia, Romano said. “On the player side, they are in contact with a number of organizations, including Liverpool and Arsenal. Nothing has been resolved as of yet, and it’s crucial to keep in mind that Southampton demands a significant sum of close to £50 million.
Arsenal have an excellent relationship with his agents but it’s not just about that. This doesn’t impact Liverpool’s pursuit of Khephren Thuram, he remains on their list at this stage.”
That’s good news. Lavia alone may be a slightly underwhelming addition. But added to Thuram, that looks like a special pair for now and the future.
Although Romano insists that Southampton are looking for £50m for Lavia, the feeling is reportedly that he can be signed for less than that.
Truly, that must be the case. Otherwise, you can’t imagine that Liverpool would be looking too hard at the Belgian.
He’s a good player with high potential, but he won’t solve their current issues. As journalist Neil Jones recently pointed out, he’s the kind of player who could be seen as being a ‘gamble’ by Liverpool. And Liverpool aren’t a gambling club.
So, there’s a feeling that the Reds wouldn’t step up talks with Lavia unless they thought they could get a good deal on him. That shouldn’t be the main remit for going after a player, but here we are.
In Thuram’s case, the feeling is also that he could cost anything up to around £50m. However, it has also been reported that the 22-year-old may be priced ‘closer to £30m.’
Disregarding the fee for a moment, Lavia and Thuram alongside Alexis Mac Allister looks like a decent window for Liverpool.
In Mac Allister they have a player who can immeditately improve the starting XI. Thuram has the potential to do that too, and will only get better. Lavia meanwhile has already cut his teeth in the Premier League and has
