By Wayne Veysey

3rd Jun, 2023 | 8:12am

Sources: Liverpool hijack Chelsea deal for Romeo Lavia

Liverpool have contacted Southampton to register their interest in signing Romeo Lavia, sources have told Football Insider.

The Merseysiders have turned their attention to capturing the 19-year-old as they look to recruit a top class defensive midfielder this summer.

Liverpool are looking to add a central anchorman to the capture of Alexis Mac Allister, who, as revealed by Football Insider on Wednesday, has reached a full agreement to join Jurgen Klopp’s side.

There are only the formalities of the deal to complete before the Brighton star completes a move worth between £55-60million.

Liverpool also want a deeper midfielder and Lavia is a firm target for them in this summer’s window.

The Southampton star has also attracted strong interest from Chelsea, and they have been working on a deal behind the scenes, while Arsenal are also keeping tabs.

Mauricio Pochettino’s new team have been the frontrunners to land Lavia but Liverpool’s approach suggests a stunning hijack could now be on the cards.

Man City have a buy-back clause worth £40million for Lavia, who left the Etihad Stadium for the Saints last summer (2022).

That option becomes active in the summer of 2024.

Liverpool have an especially pressing need for central midfielders following the departures of Naby Keita, James Milner and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, while Jordan Henderson, Fabinho and Thiago Alcantara are all aged between 29 and 32.

Lavia made a strong impression during his season at Southampton despite their relegation, making 26 Premier League starts among 35 appearances in all competitions.

He was also called up to represent the Belgian international team and grabbed his first senior cap in March.

In other news, Liverpool in four-way race to sign relegated star.