Liverpool could face a battle with Manchester United over the Southampton midfielder while Erik ten Hag agrees fee on Hojlund
Although Southampton rejected Liverpool’s initial bid for Lavia, negotiations between the two clubs are ongoing. Jurgen Klopp, Liverpool’s manager, wants to strengthen his midfield options ahead of the first game of the Premier League season with the Reds expected to make a second offer.
However, the emergence of United as a suitor poses a direct threat to Liverpool’s plans. While concrete negotiations between United and Southampton have not yet taken place, transfer expert Fabrizio Romano claims (reports the Express ) that the Red Devils have been monitoring Lavia as a potential target.
The delay in negotiations could be attributed to United’s priority of offloading two players, Fred and Donny van de Beek, before pursuing a replacement midfielder. Scott McTominay could also go.
Rasmus Hojlund, 20, will be announced as a United player imminently after travelling to England to complete a medical. The Red Devils have agreed a transfer fee with Atalanta, paying £64m up front with the rest coming in add-ons, and personal terms with the striker.
United are taking a huge risk with Hojlund due to his modest goal record. The Dane scored just nine Serie A goals for Atalanta last season and remains unproven at the highest level, although he has scored six times in six senior caps for his country.
Yet former United star Rio Ferdinand is confident Hojlund will be a success in England. The United legend has urged Red Devils fans not to judge their new striker too quickly, as he’s concerned it could take him a while to find his feet at Old Trafford – just like Darwin Nunez at Liverpool.
Ferdinand said: “I look at it like Darwin Nunez from Liverpool. Last season was his adjusting season. He’s a young striker coming to the league, everything about him fits the Premier League perfectly, but it didn’t go as well as he would have liked.
“But I think this season, we’ll see a different player for Liverpool… I wouldn’t be surprised if that (a slow campaign) happens with Hojlund, although I’d like him to have a better season than Nunez obviously. He may well do but it will take time to adjust.
Sofyan Amrabat is identified as another top target for Erik Ten Hag but discussions with Fiorentina have not yet taken place.
Amrabat has continued playing for Fiorentina in pre-season and played in a 4-0 win over Grosetto on Tuesday night. Claims on social media that he declared post-game to news agency ANSA “I could remain”, have been labelled ‘fake’ by the player’s representatives.
Ten Hag has already bolstered his midfield ranks with the capture of Mason Mount from Chelsea but his options in the middle of the park could still change before the end of the transfer window. Casemiro and Bruno Fernandes were regulars last term, but the new United captain has also been used in wider, more-attacking roles by Ten Hag when required. Christian Eriksen has also been a key starter since the Dutchman’s arrival.
Liverpool, meanwhile, have lost Jordan Henderson and Fabinho to the Saudi Pro League recently. Those are the latest midfield exits after the departures of Naby Keita, James Milner and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain on free transfers.
Klopp is aware of the need to sign reinforcements in the position, saying: “It’s no secret that we’re still looking for new players to join us. That’s one thing but the other thing is using what you have.”
Brazilian international Andre, who plays for Fluminense, has also emerged as an option for the Reds. Klopp added: “A proven number six is not available in this moment. Do we make excuses? No, then we would have a problem.
“Over a season a lot of things can happen. If have to see it as a possible challenge and try to find a way to be compact anyway and deny the opponent
