Liverpool's third £50m signing edging closer as star 'holds talks' over transfer

Liverpool are reportedly closing in on the £50million transfer of Romeo Lavia from Southampton, as they fend off the likes of Arsenal and Chelsea for his signature. The Reds have already landed midfielders Dominik Szoboszlai and Alexis Mac Allister as Jurgen Klopp continues to overhaul his midfield in a bid to get back challenging at the top of the Premier League.

There were questions over whether a third midfielder would join the club amid fears of a logjam in that position, but after James Milner, Naby Keita, Arthur Melo and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain all left in the summer and Thiago and Jordan Henderson both linked with moves to Saudi Arabia - the Reds may be able to find space for Lavia.

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Liverpool have been targeting Lavia as a more defensive-minded midfielder to compliment Mac Allister and Szoboszlai, while also providing a crucial rotation option for Fabinho who alongside several of his team-mates struggled last season to continue their form of recent years.

City will bank 20 per cent of the selling fee, which has further prompted Southampton to demand a fee as high as £50m - as they would part ways with £10m immediately. Liverpool, Chelsea and Arsenal have all taken an interest in Lavia but it remains to be seen whether either team are prepared to spend £50m for his signature.