Liverpool youngster Conor Bradley could be key to Romeo Lavia transfer

Liverpool right-back Conor Bradley could be key to Jurgen Klopp signing Romeo Lavia this summer.

Last week, Liverpool had an initial bid worth £47 million rejected by Southampton for Lavia, with the Saints demanding £50 million for the Belgian, report The Times.

The Reds are widely expected to return with an improved offer, with transfer expert Fabrizio Romano tweeting on Monday morning: "Liverpool second bid for Roméo Lavia, in the region of £45m package and ready since last week — to be sent soon."

However, Klopp's pursuit of the 19-year-old has since taken on an increasing level of urgency following an injury to Bradley.

As a result, Trent Alexander-Arnold was forced to return to right-back during Liverpool's pre-season 4-0 win over Leicester on Tuesday, as opposed to playing in the No 6 position he has occupied more recently.

In turn, 18-year-old James McConell had to play as a defensive-midfielder, despite having never played there before, emphasising Klopp's need for a new No 6.

Providing an update on Lavia's prospective move to Anfield, James Peare of The Athletic wrote: "Talks with Southampton over a deal for defensive midfielder Romeo Lavia remain ongoing.

"The prospect of the young Belgian operating with Mac Allister and Szoboszlai either side is certainly appealing and the clock is ticking with the Premier League opener away to Chelsea only a fortnight away.”

Meanwhile, Manchester United have reportedly entered the race for Lavia's signature, along with an unnamed foreign club, as the race for the teenager's signature heats up.

Lavia, who made 29 Premier League appearances last season, has also attracted attention from Chelsea as an alternative to their drawn-out pursuit of Brighton's Moises Caicedo.