Liverpool are preparing to make an opening bid for Southampton midfielder Romeo Lavia

Liverpool are reportedly preparing to make a bid for Southampton’s defensive midfielder Romeo Lavia, who is also on the radar of Chelsea and Arsenal. The 19-year-old Belgian midfielder joined Southampton last summer after coming through the academy ranks at Anderlecht and Manchester City. Despite making 34 appearances in all competitions for the club, he was unable to save them from relegation out of the Premier League.

TalkSPORT reports that Liverpool are looking to make an opening bid for Lavia, as they seek to strengthen their midfield. Chelsea’s co-director of recruitment and talent, Joe Shields, who previously worked at Southampton, recommended Lavia to incoming coach Mauricio Pochettino, but the Blues are believed to be exploring other targets. Manchester City have a buy-back option on the player, but it doesn’t come into effect until next summer.

Arsenal have also been linked with Lavia, but they are prioritizing the signing of Declan Rice from West Ham for that position. Meanwhile, Liverpool have already brought in two attack-minded players this summer, with the signing of Alexis Mac Allister from Brighton for £35m and the £60m arrival of Dominik Szoboszlai from RB Leipzig.

Lavia would offer Liverpool a different skill set, with his defensive abilities and passing range. He scored his first Premier League goal in Southampton’s 2-1 win over Chelsea last season, becoming the first player born in 2004 to do so. He also received his first call-up to the Belgium squad in March, making his debut in their 3-2 win over Germany.

Liverpool have seen midfielders Naby Keita, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, and James Milner all leave the club this summer, while Fabio Carvalho has joined Leipzig on loan. With Lavia valued at around £50m by Southampton, it remains to be seen if Liverpool will be successful in their bid to sign the talented midfielder.