"Top of the list": Fabrizio Romano says £50M gem is Liverpool's transfer priority

Liverpool remain seriously interested in signing Southampton starlet Romeo Lavia and any further midfielder signings this summer are not contingent on sales.

Jurgen Klopp has already added stylish midfielders, Alexis Mac Allister and Dominik Szoboszlai, to his midfield but there is movement expected in the opposite direction.

Jordan Henderson and Fabinho could leave this summer if agreements over transfer fees can be reached with Al-Ettifaq and Al-Ittihad respectively.

However, a new midfielder will be signed regardless of whether the two senior Liverpool stars leave this summer or not.

Liverpool will sign another new midfielder this summer

Speaking on YouTube, Fabrizio Romano confirmed that Liverpool's plans to sign a new midfielder are not contingent on further midfield exits.

“It doesn’t depend on Fabinho or Henderson,” said Romano. “In any case, [Liverpool] will sign at least one more midfielder. Romeo Lavia is top of the list, they want Romeo Lavia. But I’m told that Chelsea are still there, so let’s see what’s going to happen.

“Also we know that if Arsenal sell Thomas Partey to a Saudi Arabian club, [Lavia] could be a possibility for Arsenal. Liverpool are considering multiple options for the defensive midfield position."

While Liverpool are still active in their recruitment process, Moises Caicedo will not be joining the club this summer as things stand. Rudy Galetti reports that an £80M base fee has been agreed between Chelsea and Brighton for the Ecuadorian.

Romano continued: “I’m told Moises Caicedo is not negotiating with Liverpool and Liverpool are not negotiating with Brighton at this point,” said the journalist.

“The only negotiation [regarding Caicedo] is with Chelsea. Caicedo agreed personal terms with Chelsea and wants to go to Chelsea.

“The contacts between Brighton and Chelsea are still ongoing.”

Southampton value Lavia at £50M which until now has been the sticking point for the Reds.

Liverpool need two new defensive midfielders if Fabinho leaves

Liverpool are still interested in Lavia and if there are no more midfield departures, that will suffice as far as this summer's midfield rebuild is concerned.

But if both Henderson and Fabinho leave, the Reds will be back to square one.

The main objective this summer was for Liverpool to replenish their midfield ranks and increase depth in key roles. The arrivals of Alexis Mac Allister and Dominik Szoboszlai have already put the squad in a far healthier position.

The Reds lost four midfielders at the end of last season after Milner, Ox, Keita and Arthur (end of loan deal) were released.