By David Lynch, Merseyside Correspondent

11th Jun, 2023 | 1:30pm

Lynch: Major update on Liverpool bid to sign Romeo Lavia

Liverpool do not want to be dragged into a bidding war with Chelsea or the Premier League elite over the signing of Romeo Lavia, sources have told Football Insider. 

The Reds have had contact with Lavia’s representatives but competition for his signature could make a deal difficult.

It is believed that Jurgen Klopp’s side need guarantees that the 19-year-old only wants to join the Anfield club in order to pursue a deal this summer.

Lavia’s current contract at Southampton runs until 2027 after he joined last summer (2022) from Man City.

The Cityzens have a buy-back clause worth £40million for the midfielder which becomes active in 2024 but Pep Guardiola’s side are believed to be very keen to bring him back to the Etihad before then.

Football Insider revealed on 6 June that Chelsea are expected to launch a new move for the midfielder with the Saints demanding £45-£50m in order to let him depart St Mary’s, despite their relegation to the Championship.

The Blues have already laid the groundwork for a potential summer deal whilst Liverpool have registered their interest in a deal.

New Chelsea boss Mauricio Pochettnio is believed to be a huge fan of Lavia and has marked the midfielder as someone he would be keen to have in his squad.

Lavia made 35 appearances for the Saints across all competitions this season and scored once and provided one assist in those outings.

In other news, a second Fabio Carvalho bid has been revealed as star wants Liverpool move.