Liverpool have opened talks to sign Southampton midfielder Romeo Lavia, according to reports.
Following their relegation from the Premier League, Southampton are open to selling Lavia this summer but are demanding a £45 million fee.
The 19-year-old, who joined the Saints in a £14m deal from Manchester City last year, delivered several impressive performances in his first season in the Premier League.
According to Fabrizio Romano, Liverpool also have Lavia on their summer shortlist and have now begun talks over a potential deal for the midfielder.
Arsenal have already held discussions to sign Lavia this summer but Mikel Arteta’s side are prioritising deals for Kai Havertz, Declan Rice and Jurrien Timber.
Liverpool have also held discussions over a move for Nice midfielder Khephren Thuram but have yet to reach an agreement with the French club.
Jurgen Klopp’s side have already signed Alexis Mac Allister in a £35m deal from Brighton this month but the Liverpool manager is keen to bolster his midfield options even further.
Lavia, meanwhile, is also on Chelsea’s radar with Mauricio Pochettino looking to strengthen his midfield ahead of the new season.
However, former Southampton and England midfielder Carlton Palmer has urged Lavia to reject a move to Stamford Bridge.
‘I think given his age; Chelsea is not a good fit,’ Palmer told Football League World.
‘They have still got a lot to sort out with the squad, I think Man United have still got a lot of work to do with the current squad.
‘For me and for the player I think for him to flourish he would be better suited going to Arsenal with Arteta, the squad is young and is going places.
