Southampton reject Liverpool bid for Romeo Lavia as David Ornstein reveals opening offer

Liverpool have had a a £37 million transfer offer for Romeo Lavia rejected by Southampton, according to transfer expert David Ornstein.

Earlier on Tuesday, Fabrizio Romano claimed that Liverpool had approached Southampton in an attempt to strike a deal for Lavia.

"Understand Liverpool have approached Southampton for Roméo Lavia — talks on player side have been ongoing for more than one month," Romano tweeted.

"Jason Wilcox is leading talks now for Southampton and insists on £50m package deal.'

Jurgen Klopp has already signed midfield duo Alexis Mac Allister and Dominik Szoboszlai for a combined £95 million this summer.

However, with Jordan Henderson and Fabinho expected to depart Anfield for Saudi Arabia this summer, the Reds boss is in dire need of reinforcements.

Southampton reject Liverpool bid for Lavia

Liverpool have reportedly submitted a formal bid worth £37 million for Lavia which has been rebuffed by Southampton.

A report from The Athletic confirmed the news, claiming that that the Championship side are seeking a fee in the region of £50m for the 19-year-old midfielder.

The publication adds that the Merseyside club have drawn up a four-man alternative shortlist should they miss out on Lavia, which includes Crystal Palace’s Cheick Doucoure, Fiorentina’s Sofyan Amrabat, Bayern Munich’s Ryan Gravenberch and Manchester City’s Kalvin Phillips.

Lavia made 29 appearances as Southampton were relegated last season, missing a chunk of the campaign due to a hamstring injury.

Although the Belgium international impressed on the south coast after making the permanent switch from Manchester City last summer in a deal worth a reported £10.5m.

Meanwhile, Pep Guardiola has the option to match any bid that comes in for Lavia after inserting a buy-back clause into his contract when the player left the Etihad.