Liverpool and Southampton close to reaching an agreement for Romeo Lavia

Liverpool are on the verge of striking a deal with Southampton for the services of Romeo Lavia, according to Foot Mercato.

Both clubs have been in negotiations over the last couple of weeks as Liverpool look to snap up Lavia, who is expected to leave St Mary’s Stadium in the wake of Southampton’s relegation.

The Reds have already had an opening offer rejected with Southampton holding for a fee in the region of £50 million.

Looking to fend off competition from Arsenal and Chelsea, Liverpool are now reportedly closing in on the acquisition of Lavia with the midfielder having already agreed personal terms for a move to Anfield.

Liverpool have already signed Alexis Mac Allister and Dominik Szoboszlai this summer but the recent departure of Jordan Henderson and impending exit of Fabinho has left Jurgen Klopp in need of further midfield reinforcement.

At just 19 years of age, Lavia looks to have a bright future ahead of him as he prepares to change clubs for a second consecutive year having only just joined Southampton last summer.

Fellow midfield partner James Ward-Prowse is also set to follow Lavia out of the door amid interest from West Ham United and Newcastle United.

As they prepare to bid goodbye to two key stars, Southampton will be looking to put their dismal preseason campaign behind them.

The Saints managed just one win from five matches and were beaten 3-2 and 1-0 in their most recent encounters against Bournemouth and AZ Alkmaar respectively.

Russell Martin’s’ men kick off life in the second tier of English football with a clash against Sheffield Wednesday at the Hillsborough Stadium on Friday.