Liverpool reporter insists Klopp has ‘circled back’ for PL ‘gamble’ despite viewing fee as ‘excessive’
Liverpool journalist Neil Jones thinks “a compromise will be found” over a fee for Southampton’s Romeo Lavia despite the “excessive” asking price.
The Reds have already invested heavily in their side over the summer with the arrivals of Alexis Mac Allister and Dominik Szoboszlai.
Those arrivals made up for the loss of James Milner, Naby Keita and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain but the unexpected departures of Jordan Henderson and Fabinho to Saudi Arabia means Liverpool need more signings.
Jurgen Klopp will now target at least one or two more midfielders, while there are rumours he could also look to strengthen his central defence if the right player becomes available.
Southampton midfielder Lavia has emerged as their top target but Liverpool have now had three bids rejected by the Saints as the Championship club demand £50m for the Belgium international.
Their latest offer, which was rejected by Southampton, was worth around £46m with Liverpool now tantalisingly close to reaching the Saints’ valuation.
However, former Goal and Liverpool Echo reporter Jones insists Liverpool will have “circled back” for Lavia after being impressed by other options available as they think the £50m asking price is “excessive”.
Jones wrote in his Caught Offside column: “I think with regards to Lavia, it is fair that questions are asked as to Liverpool’s approach.
“It has rarely been the case that we hear of one bid being rejected, let alone three, and when the difference between the latest offer (£45m) and the widely-reported asking price (£50m) is so small (relatively speaking) then I understand why people are wondering what the hold up is.
“Liverpool sources were saying earlier in the summer that £50m for Lavia was excessive, but that was before the departures of Fabinho and Jordan Henderson amplified their need for a midfielder.
“I get the impression that the club have looked at the market for potential No.6s/deep-lying midfielders and have not been too impressed, hence the fact they’ve circled back to Lavia.
“He’s certainly a gamble, given his age, the amount of games he’s played and the fact he’s a very different kind of player to Fabinho, more of a builder than a destroyer.
“The plus side is that he clearly has a high ceiling, his wages are relatively low and he wants to come to Liverpool. My feeling is that a compromise will be found, but it probably should have been found already.”
Liverpool legend Jamie Carragher is particularly annoyed that the Reds have so far failed to get a deal over the line for Lavia this summer.
Carragher tweeted on Monday night: “This is embarrassing. If you don’t think he’s worth £50m move on. If you really want him, pay it.
“Also not sure why LFC aren’t in for Caicedo, yes it’s a lot of money but Liverpool got big money for JH [Jordan Henderson] and FAB [Fabinho].”
