Liverpool make crucial breakthrough for key midfield signing - transfer could cost £15.7M less

The breakthrough Liverpool were waiting for has arrived, with reports now suggesting Southampton have revealed a lower price for Romeo Lavia.

The Belgian midfielder is highly sought after with Barcelona failing with a loan offer this week. The reason being that Southampton will only accept a cash offer and were not swayed by Barca's offer of a loan with an obligation to buy him permanently next summer.

Liverpool find breakthrough in Romeo Lavia chase

This update from Sport reveals that Liverpool are "pressing" to sign the 19-year-old with Arsenal and Manchester United also moving to win the race for his signature.

It has been widely reported that Southampton wanted £50M for Lavia but Sport now claim that the Saints will accept a lowly £34.3million (€40M).

If true, this is a major breakthrough and should place Liverpool in the driver's seat. Lavia spoke to Jurgen Klopp and wants to play for the Reds, according to an update from Sacha Tavolieri last week. He added that personal terms are not an issue.

Southampton's discount means that signing the young midfielder will cost around £15.7M less than originally reported.

Given the overly encouraging nature of this update, it would be wise to wait for other outlets to corroborate or oppose it before getting excited about him joining Liverpool.

What role would Lavia be used in by Liverpool?

Jurgen Klopp's squad is undergoing a significant rebuild following the disappointing 2022/23 season with two new midfielders already added to the ranks.

Alexis Mac Allister and Dominik Szoboszlai have joined the club and provide a major improvement on the options at Klopp's disposal.

With Fabinho and Jordan Henderson poised to move to the Saudi Pro League, further signings may be required as well.

Lavia is a defensive midfielder and while he may not fit the same profile as Fabinho, his ball carrying and composure in possession will improve Liverpool's ability to build out from the back.

He is very young and so mistakes are to he expected but he has the potential to develop into one of the best midfielders in the Premier League.