Liverpool favourites to sign Romeo Lavia after "green light"

Liverpool are the favourites to sign Southampton midfielder Romeo Lavia as talks continue to arrange a transfer to Anfield.

Fabinho is on the verge of completing a move to Saudia Arabian outfit Al-Ittihad and 19-year-old Lavia is the club's top choice to replace him.

What's the latest on Romeo Lavia to Liverpool?

According to highly trusted German football expert, Florian Plettenberg, Liverpool are now the favourites to sign Lavia.

Taking to Twitter, he reports that the player has given the green light to join the Reds although an agreement is yet to be reached over Southampton's asking price.

Plettenberg reports: "Romeo Lavia: Understand that Liverpool are the top favourite now!

"Lavia wants to join Liverpool and has given the light! No agreement between the clubs yet but concrete negotiations are ongoing

"His price valuation was around £50m."

How will Romeo Lavia fit in at Liverpool?

While Jurgen Klopp is unlikely to throw Lavia into the deep end should he secure a move to Anfield, Liverpool are now in a risky position with their squad depth.

Fabinho is on the verge of joining Saudi Pro League outfit Al-Ittihad with the only hiccup being "bureaucratic issues" relating to banking. Globo Esporte reports funds for the transfer of the Brazilian have not yet been released to Liverpool.

Once the 29-year-old's move is complete, Liverpool's squad will no longer possess a specialist defensive midfielder which is not a role that can be left vacant for too long.

We've seen Trent Alexander-Arnold in this role in pre-season but the Scouser would be wasted in a purely defensive role.

Unless Liverpool sign two defensive midfielders, Lavia may receive a baptism of fire on Merseyside this season.

It would not wise to start next season without proper midfield depth especially given the impact that had on Klopp's side last season.