Liverpool bid for top midfield target 'rejected' as Southampton 'insist on' £50m overall 'package'

Southampton have turned down an offer in the region of £37m from Liverpool for midfielder Romeo Lavia.

The midfielder is on the radar of a host of top clubs after Southampton’s relegation to the Championship, with Arsenal and Chelsea among those keeping tabs on the player.

However, it’s Liverpool who have made the first serious move for the Belgian international, with journalist David Ornstein revealing that they have made a bid for the 19-year-old, which has been rejected by Saints.

“Southampton have turned down an opening offer from Liverpool for Romeo Lavia. Liverpool proposal - thought to be worth around £37m - rejected by Southampton as they seek a fee in the region of £50m.”

With the update stating it’s an ‘opening’ bid, there’s an expectation that Liverpool will come back in for the youngster, who impressed in the top-flight despite Southampton’s struggles as a team.

Will Southampton sell Romeo Lavia?

When some of the top clubs in the country come in for your player, it’s extremely difficult for any club outside the real elite to keep hold of them, never mind a Championship side.

So, all connected to Southampton will be aware that a summer exit is expected to happen, and it’s just about getting the best possible fee.

It has been consistently claimed that Southampton want £50m for the teenager, which would represent a significant profit on the £14m they paid to bring Lavia from Manchester City last year.

Therefore, it would be excellent business for the club, and the substantial sum will allow Russell Martin to reinvest in his squad as he looks to build a group that’s capable of winning promotion this season.