Liverpool transfer news: Liverpool could hijack a move for a PSG midfielder, while Roméo Lavia is said to be waiting to complete a move this summer.
Liverpool is set for the next stage of its pre-season preparations, but there’s still a lot of work to be done on the transfer front at this stage.
The Reds rounded off their German training camp with a 4-4 draw against Greuther Fürth in their second friendly of the summer and will return to Merseyside before heading to Singapore on Thursday.
Jordan Henderson and Fabinho were once again missing as they close in on their respective moves to Saudi Arabia, and in their absence, it was clear where Liverpool still needs to strengthen in the transfer market.
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Jürgen Klopp will clearly need to bolster his options in midfield, while he also can’t afford to ignore his defense for too long after a chaotic second half saw his side ship four goals.
Here is the Liverpool.com verdict on the transfer gossip to emerge around the Reds today with a couple of midfielders on the agenda.
Marco Verratti (PSG)
Liverpool has the funds to proceed with a transfer for PSG midfielder Marco Verratti, according to the Spanish newspaper Marca (print edition, via Paisley Gates).
The outlet claims that Atlético Madrid is already in contact with the Italy international, but Liverpool could complicate matters as it also wants the 30-year-old. PSG values Verratti at $78m (£61m/€70m), with the French club open to selling despite the midfielder still having three years left on his contract.
Liverpool.com says: There is no doubt about Verratti’s ability as a player, but would Liverpool really want to spend $78m on a 30-year-old? It would be an odd stance, considering the club looks set to let go of a 29-year-old in Fabinho.
The Reds have been linked with younger and cheaper options already, so it depends on what their strategy is. If they want a short-term solution while Stefan Bajčetić continues his development, Verratti could be a good option, but that would be placing a lot of pressure on the 18-year-old’s shoulders.
Roméo Lavia (Southampton)
Roméo Lavia is Liverpool’s main target as it looks to reinforce its midfield, according to Belgian publication La Dernière Heure.
According to the report, ‘doors are opening’ for the Southampton star to join the Reds this summer. Lavia is said to be on alert as he waits for a call from his agent, although his current club is said to want close to $66m (£52m/€60m), which Liverpool is unwilling to pay.
Liverpool.com says: This report on Lavia does somewhat contradict what Marca is reporting about Verratti. If Liverpool is unwilling to pay $66m for a young player who could offer a long-term solution, then it’s doubtful it would pay $12m more for a player 11 years his senior.
Lavia does appear to be the favorite to make the move to Anfield, and considering the position Southampton is in after relegation, you wouldn’t be surprised if Liverpool is able to bring down that asking price slightly.
