Journalist convinced Romeo Lavia is joining Liverpool after spotting something in pre-season friendly

Liverpool could be on the verge of completing their third signing of the summer transfer window.

Jurgen Klopp has already added Alexis Mac Allister and Dominik Szoboszlai to his squad and is in the market for further reinforcements, with club captain Jordan Henderson set to leave for Saudi Arabia.

Henderson is expected to complete his move to Steven Gerard's Al Etiffaq this week, joining the Saudi Pro League side on a three-year deal worth an astonishing £700,000 per week.

Fabinho has also been linked with a move to Saudi Arabia, although his proposed transfer to Al Ittihad is reported to be in 'jeopardy'.

The Athletic claim there are complications in the talks between all parties but that a deal could yet be completed.

Should Henderson and Fabinho both leave this summer, Liverpool will need to sign further midfield reinforcements.

They have set their sights on Southampton midfielder Romeo Lavia and on Tuesday had a £37m bid rejected by the Championship club.

The Athletic claim Liverpool will return with an improved offer for the 19-year-old, with David Ornstein stating that there is a high likelihood a deal will be agreed.

Sky News reporter James Green also says it is 'very likely' a deal will be reached between Liverpool and Southampton for Lavia.

It comes after Lavia was taken off at half-time in Tuesday's 3-2 defeat to Bournemouth in pre-season.

"At St Mary's tonight and Romeo Lavia looked decidedly uninterested during the first half. Head down, often walking around, showed glimpses of his class, but looked like a player wanting a move away. Taken off at half time," tweeted Green.

"To me, the player looked like he had the weight of the world on him, which is unsurprising. A 19-year-old who's just had an offer from Liverpool turned down by his club and then comes out to play 45 minutes. Very likely a deal will be agreed soon."

Speaking after the match, Southampton manager Russell Martin discussed Lavia's situation and admitted the player has 'a lot in his head' due to the speculation surrounding his future.

"The transfer window should close before the start of the season - it's ridiculous in my opinion and certainly not helpful," Martin said.

"We're a club that has been relegated and has a lot of talent that people are attracted to, but we'll prepare as if they will be here because we have to. There's no guarantee that anyone will leave, it's a lot of work with 27 players or whatever but we'll give everyone a chance to get on the pitch.

"I thought Romeo, considering what's going on, to play tonight and do all that stuff, it was good for him to get on the pitch as he has not had the minutes other people have had.

"You can ask for an update, but I can't give you one because I don't know. I'm going to speak to Jason [Wilcox, director of football] now but I've been preparing for this game. I'll only ever be honest with you guys but I’m yet to find out.

"Romeo has a lot in his head."

Martin added: "[I am] pleased with his attitude, easiest thing to do would be to not play tonight. Not easy for a young player to handle the noise, but he's handled it well. Latest news is very public, he may still be here he may not."