Sacha Tavolieri – The Empire of The Kop

Journalist: Liverpool ‘very hot’ on 23y/o ‘wonderful talent’ with 13 goals already this season

Liam Togher — Wed, 29 Nov 2023 07:30:38 +0000

According to one European journalist, Liverpool are ‘very hot’ on the trail of a striker who’s enjoyed a terrific start to the season.

Sacha Tavolieri took to X (formerly Twitter) during RB Leipzig’s Champions League clash against Manchester City to heap praise on Lois Openda, who netted twice in the first half, while also citing the presence of Premier League interest in the 23-year-old.

The reporter stated: “What an amazing performance of Loïs Openda during this first half. Belgian striker’s adapting perfectly with the type of play that fits with #RBLeipzig…

“The transfer market in Premier League already very hot on him, as #LFC. Wonderful talent.”

What an amazing performance of Loïs Openda during this first half. Belgian striker’s adapting perfectly with the type of play that fits with #RBLeipzig…
The transfer market in Premier League already very hot on him, as #LFC.
🪄 Wonderful talent. #mercato #PL #MCIRBL pic.twitter.com/mXcGwHu05P

— Sacha Tavolieri (@sachatavolieri) November 28, 2023

Last night’s brace for Openda took him to 13 goals in all competitions for the season, one more than Mo Salah’s current tally, albeit from two more matches (Transfermarkt).

The Belgium international shot to European prominence last term when netting 21 times in firing Lens back into the Champions League for the first time in two decades, and he needs just one more goal to reach double figures in a league campaign for the fourth year in a row (Transfermarkt).

His goalscoring clout is undeniable, but whether he’d end up at Liverpool in 2024 is far less certain. The 23-year-old has changed clubs in the last two summers, so he might now be seeking to settle down at Leipzig for another couple of years at least.

Also, a centre-forward is unlikely to be top of the Reds’ priority list when it comes to the next transfer window. The focus is instead set to be trained on a defensive midfielder and a versatile left-footed defender, with Jurgen Klopp already having an abundance of riches in attack.

The manner in which Openda twice cut through Man City to score last night suggests that he’d take to the Premier League like a duck to water, but realistically it’s difficult to see a move to Anfield materialising any time soon unless circumstances alter significantly.

EOTK FPL Gameweek 13 Review : Trippier OUT & Zinchenko IN? Gordon the ultimate differential? Haaland & Salah must-haves

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‘Final announcement’ – Belgian journo shares interesting Lavia update for Liverpool fans

Farrell Keeling — Mon, 14 Aug 2023 07:02:55 +0000

There’ll be plenty of frustration in the Liverpool fanbase after watching Chelsea defy the results of Brighton’s flimsy transfer deadline for Moises Caicedo.

Still, one cannot fault the ambition the Reds showed with their opportunistic foray into a deal in which the Blues had already laid down the groundwork to seal the Ecuadorian’s signature.

What matters now is the response, and judging by Sacha Tavolieri’s update on Romeo Lavia on X, things would not appear entirely rosy on the transfer front.

— Sacha Tavolieri (@sachatavolieri) August 13, 2023

Final announcement for Romeo Lavia incoming. Just waiting for a final confirmation but the player arrived in London this week-end & enjoyed a private moment with friends in order to celebrate his move. Player’s side now being formal on the fact he´s off to Chelsea.
This…

— Sacha Tavolieri (@sachatavolieri) August 13, 2023

Reports have linked the Belgian with a move to Stamford Bridge, following in Caicedo’s footsteps shortly after his own move was officially confirmed online on Sunday evening.

To see Liverpool lose TWO targets in the space of a few days would be heavily disappointing – not least of all due to the fact that Lavia has made it expressly clear Anfield is his preferred move.

We’re at a stage now, however, where the room for a patient approach in the market is quickly dwindling following the arrival of the league season.

A 1-1 draw achieved at Stamford Bridge was irrefutable proof that any ambitions of achieving top four football will depend on the signing of a genuine number six.

Failure to do so will mean we’re gambling on results week after week, as was the case in London on Sunday afternoon.

EOTK Insider with Neil Jones: Lavia ‘complication’, Mo Salah to Saudi? Kane could do Liverpool transfer favour, Andre latest and much more!

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‘Back in the race’ – Belgian journo says Liverpool just reacted to Chelsea’s reported Lavia bid

Farrell Keeling — Sun, 13 Aug 2023 14:25:09 +0000

Liverpool could be set to miss out on Brighton’s Moises Caicedo this summer, but the race for Romeo Lavia is understood to be far from over.

Belgian journalist Sacha Tavolieri revealed on X that the Merseysiders intend to ‘level up their offer’ to match Chelsea’s reported bid.

#LiverpoolFC on the battle again with #ChelseaFC for Romeo #Lavia as they want to level up their offer to #CFC bid offered (and accepted but up to player’s decision that why ‘’not officially communicated as accepted’) in order to let the choice to the player to decide. And…

— Sacha Tavolieri (@sachatavolieri) August 13, 2023

With the player’s preference set to play a big role in deciding the outcome of this transfer story, it’s reassuring that Jurgen Klopp’s men do appear to have a solid plan b ready to go in case the aforementioned hijack attempt doesn’t pan out as hoped.

One can imagine there will be a few disappointed faces on the other side of phone and computer screens were we to miss out on a player of Caicedo’s calibre this summer.

That said, though some may feel it is making light of the circumstances, we can’t ignore the sheer talent on offer with Southampton’s resident destroyer.

Accept as we might that Lavia will be less of an instant fix and more of a long-term solution to nurture, a season of Premier League football under his belt means that any adjustment period should, theoretically, not be too damaging.

Hopefully our ambition in the window – despite the best efforts of Caicedo’s advisors – will be rewarded. If not, there’s no harm in getting behind a player Empire of the Kop was once informed could ‘surpass Fabinho’ this term.

EOTK Insider with Neil Jones: Lavia ‘complication’, Mo Salah to Saudi? Kane could do Liverpool transfer favour, Andre latest and much more!

The post ‘Back in the race’ – Belgian journo says Liverpool just reacted to Chelsea’s reported Lavia bid appeared first on The Empire of The Kop.

Chelsea focus on Caicedo and Lavia wants Liverpool; transfer poker game continues – Tavolieri

Peter Kenny Jones — Thu, 10 Aug 2023 16:41:35 +0000

Although we still don’t seem much closer to actually completing a deal for any player, the transfer market has taken a huge swing as Liverpool and Chelsea are set to lock horns over two players.

Taking to his X account, Sacha Tavolieri reported: ‘Complex situation » written yesterday because it’s a poker game between one club chasing the first target of another that wants to show their muscles 3 days before a fixture between both clubs.

‘As it stands, I still truly believe that #ChelseaFC focus on Caicedo & that – as #SouthamptonFC thinks (what we told you also already yesterday) – Romeo Lavia’s focus remains #LiverpoolFC’.

It seems then, if we can take the word of the Belgian transfer journalist, that the most likely conclusion to this drama is that Moises Caicedo heads to Stamford Bridge and we secure the signing of Romeo Lavia.

It’s going to be a period of twists and turns with both clubs seemingly either interested in both players, or playing a game with each other to try and scupper transfer negotiations with the selling clubs.

There’s still time for new targets to arrive but the clock really is ticking ahead of the ironic opening fixture against Mauricio Pochettino’s side and before the closing of the window.

With so many players heading out the exit door, it feels like we’re not leaving much time to make the right decisions without being forced to pay a premium due to the short number of days left to play with.

You can view the Caicedo / Lavia / Chelsea / Liverpool update via @sachatavolieri on X:

« Complex situation » written yesterday because it’s a poker game between one club chasing the first target of another that wants to show their muscles 3 days before a fixture between both clubs.
As it stands, I still truly believe that #ChelseaFC focus on Caicedo & that… https://t.co/UyWNow1TNX

— Sacha Tavolieri (@sachatavolieri) August 10, 2023

#Ep83 of The Empire of the Kop Podcast: EOTK Insider with Neil Jones

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‘There’s a feeling…’ – Journalist drops hopeful Romeo Lavia to Liverpool transfer update

Liam Togher — Thu, 03 Aug 2023 06:18:30 +0000

Liverpool are preparing to make a third and ‘ultimate’ offer to try and sign Romeo Lavia from Southampton.

That’s according to Belgian journalist Sacha Tavolieri, who took to Twitter on Wednesday evening with an update on the Reds’ pursuit of the midfielder, for whom they’ve already had two bids turned down.

It seems that the Merseysiders will try once more to convince the Saints to do business, with the player keen on a move to Anfield but needing his club to agree a fee with the prospective buyers.

Tavolieri tweeted: “#LiverpoolFC ready to make a third & ultimate offer for Romeo Lavia. I understand the bid will meet the 40M£ transfer fee expectations by #SaintsFC + add-ons. Player’s side just waiting for #LFC to activate but informed the club his desire to join the Reds.

“There’s a feeling that Klopp’s team are the only squad able to do such offer at that moment. Dialogue remains open as #SouthamptonFC won’t let leave his biggest sale of the year with the financial impact of a relegation. Deal still ON.”

After Liverpool saw their second offer of £41m rejected and entered into talks with Fluminense for Andre Trindade, it looked as if the Lavia pursuit may have been faltering, particularly when reports emerged of Southampton being confident they could get as much as £60m for him due to the level of interest.

The Saints have wanted £50m all along, so the Reds will almost certainly need to reach that figure with their next bid, even if it’s with the prospective add-ons included.

Tavolieri’s tweet suggests they could meet that threshold, though, and his assertion that only Jurgen Klopp’s side seem able or willing to go that high indicates that they’re the clear favourites to win the race for the Belgian’s signature.

All Lavia and his entourage can do is wait for Liverpool to submit their next offer and see how Southampton respond. We get the sense that the third bid will be decisive one way or the other and that this transfer saga will reach a conclusion soon.

You can see Tavolieri’s tweet below, via @sachatavolieri on Twitter:

#LiverpoolFC ready to make a third & ultimate offer for Romeo Lavia. I understand the bid will meet the 40M£ transfer fee expectations by #SaintsFC + add-ons. Player’s side just waiting for #LFC to activate but informed the club his desire to join the Reds. There’s a feeling… pic.twitter.com/7KH2c7mbTS

— Sacha Tavolieri (@sachatavolieri) August 2, 2023

#Ep83 of The Empire of the Kop Podcast: EOTK Insider with Neil Jones

The post ‘There’s a feeling…’ – Journalist drops hopeful Romeo Lavia to Liverpool transfer update appeared first on The Empire of The Kop.

Southampton set to reject second Liverpool bid for Lavia as Reds play ‘poker game’ over 19 y/o

Liam Togher — Tue, 01 Aug 2023 13:12:32 +0000

Southampton are set to instantly reject Liverpool’s second transfer bid for Romeo Lavia, as per updates from reliable reporters on Tuesday lunchtime.

Sky Sports’ Melissa Reddy broke the news of an ‘improved’ offer being ‘tabled’ to Southampton this afternoon, believed to be slightly less than £40m excluding add-ons.

Reports seem to vary on the exact amount of the follow-up bid from the Reds, with Fabrizio Romano quoting a different figure, one which is expected to be ‘formally rejected’.

He tweeted: “Liverpool have submitted new bid for Roméo Lavia as expected — £42m fee. Still no agreement with Southampton, it will be formally rejected soon as they insist on £50m asking price. Negotiations remain ongoing. Clubs remain in contact as Lavia wants the move.”

Meanwhile, trusted Belgian reporter Sacha Tavolieri took to Twitter with his own update, stating that Liverpool’s second offer has already been turned down as they play ‘poker’ with Southampton in terms of exploring alternative targets.

He posted: “#SaintsFC expectations didn’t change since we talked about it 6 days ago… It’s still a 40M£ on transfer fee (without add ons) that is asked for Romeo Lavia at #LiverpoolFC. Second bid rejected as per @MelissaReddy_ for #LFC who remains in talks with the Reds for making the deal done this week.

“Reds playing poker game with Southampton officials about exploring other targets as the Belgian remains a priority.”

Having gone from an initial £37m offer to one in the region of £40m-£42m, Liverpool are clearly trying to test Southampton’s resolve with minor increases rather than pushing the boat out with an eye-opening bid which the Saints simply wouldn’t be able to turn down.

It’s inevitable that the Championship side won’t accept this latest approach from the Reds if their valuation is set at £50m, and the Merseysiders mightn’t have too many arrows left in their quiver when it comes to trying to sign Lavia.

In one sense they’re right not to be intimidated into paying more than what they believe the player is worth, but if the pursuit of the Belgian is ultimately fruitless, it’ll be massively frustrating when you consider how long they were chasing him and how little time is left before the transfer window shuts.

They may well be lining up alternatives to the 19-year-old, with Andre Trindade of Fluminense believed to be another target (Reddy), which is no harm as they might need to look elsewhere for defensive midfield additions if they continue to be shut down in the chase for the Southampton gem.

Liverpool’s first two offers have seen them turned away. It’s crucial that, if they go back for Lavia a third time, their proposal is one which’ll at least have the Saints strongly considering whether or not to cash in on their bright young asset.

You can see the tweets from Romano and Tavolieri below, via @FabrizioRomano and @sachatavolieri on Twitter:

Liverpool have submitted new bid for Roméo Lavia as expected — £42m fee.

Still no agreement with Southampton, it will be formally rejected soon as they insist on £50m asking price. #LFC

Negotiations remain ongoing.

Clubs remain in contact as Lavia wants the move. pic.twitter.com/wKVv5sycog

— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) August 1, 2023

#SaintsFC expectations didn’t change since we talked about it 6 days ago… It’s still a 40M£ on transfer fee (without add ons) that is asked for Romeo Lavia at #LiverpoolFC.

Second bid rejected as per @MelissaReddy_ for #LFC who remains in talks with the Reds for making… https://t.co/lU3HvFAHNX pic.twitter.com/ogU5RyxScx

— Sacha Tavolieri (@sachatavolieri) August 1, 2023

#Ep83 of The Empire of the Kop Podcast: EOTK Insider with Neil Jones

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‘Things are taking their time’ – Journalist explains reason for delay to Lavia’s Liverpool move

Liam Togher — Sat, 29 Jul 2023 07:03:59 +0000

Sacha Tavolieri has explained why there’s been a slight delay to Liverpool’s proposed move for Romeo Lavia and has reassured Reds fans ‘there’s no need to worry’.

The Belgian journalist took to Twitter on Friday night to explain that the Merseyside transfer team have been focused on the prospective exit of Fabinho over the past 24 hours and were waiting for movement on that front before turning their attention back towards the Southampton midfielder.

Tavolieri outlined: “As far as I know, there’s no need to worry for Romeo Lavia to Liverpool. Reds were busy to close the Fabinho’s deal today and every part involved were waiting for this deal to be done before a new movement after yesterday morning verbal bid around 45M£ deal, bonus included.

“Things are taking their time but there’s a confidence – as from #LFC than at #SaintsFC – a deal would be done. More news soon after another onslaught from the Reds.”

With Fabinho having now completed his medical with Al-Ittihad and just the final documents to be signed before the transfer is made official (Fabrizio Romano), the Liverpool hierarchy should soon be free to concentrate purely on trying to secure a deal for Lavia.

Tavolieri has already reassured Reds fans that it’s only a ‘matter of time’ before the 19-year-old is signed, with the player ‘waiting’ for the green light to pursue a medical, while reports from Belgium have indicated that a formal announcement of the move is imminent.

The Merseysiders may be eager to try and get the Southampton youngster signed quickly, not just to end a saga which has rumbled all summer but also to prevent any late hijack from Chelsea, with the Blues still sniffing around for the midfielder.

Still, Liverpool appear to be in a strong position at this moment in time, and hopefully our next bid for Lavia – whenever it comes – will be enough to persuade the Saints into doing business. Let’s see what happens from here.

You can see Tavolieri’s tweet below, via @sachatavolieri on Twitter:

As far as I know, there’s no need to worry for Romeo Lavia’s to Liverpool. Reds were busy to close the Fabinho’s deal today and every part involved were waiting for this deal to be done before a new movement after yesterday morning verbal bid around 45M£ deal, bonus…

— Sacha Tavolieri (@sachatavolieri) July 28, 2023

#Ep83 of The Empire of the Kop Podcast: EOTK Insider with Neil Jones

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European outlet claims Liverpool could make 3rd summer signing very soon; player is ‘waiting’

Liam Togher — Fri, 28 Jul 2023 10:50:31 +0000

According to one European news outlet, Liverpool could be on the brink of securing their third signing of the summer transfer window.

The print version of Belgian newspaper Gazer van Antwerpen has stated that the Reds are closing in on a move for Romeo Lavia, claiming that completion of the deal is imminent.

This appears to be backed up by a tweet from journalist Sacha Tavolieri, who said that it’s now only a ‘matter of time’ before being done, with the Southampton midfielder ‘just waiting’ for the go-ahead to proceed with a medical ahead of his proposed switch to Anfield.

There had been reports from Football Insider that Chelsea could potentially try to hijack the move by outbidding Liverpool with an offer closer to the £50m that the Saints are seeking, but it still appears as if the Reds are at a sufficiently advanced stage to get the deal done from here.

Two reliable journalists in Tavolieri (via Twitter) and Hampshire Live’s Mark Wyatt (via The Redmen TV) have indicated that Lavia could complete his switch to Anfield in the next few days, giving added credence to the news report from Gazer van Antwerpen.

The 19-year-old would become Jurgen Klopp’s third midfield recruit of the summer, following on from Alexis Mac Allister and Dominik Szoboszlai, and the hope is that a deal can be done in time for the youngster to potentially link up with the squad in Singapore.

If not, there’s still a possibility that the Belgium international could be signed in advance of Liverpool’s final pre-season friendly against Darmstadt on 7 August and have a few days on the training pitch ahead of the Reds’ Premier League opener (ironically against Chelsea) six days later.

We won’t get ahead of ourselves too early, and only when the club make an official announcement will it bring closure that the deal is done, but the signs are very positive towards Lavia finalising a move to Anfield sooner rather than later.

#Ep83 of The Empire of the Kop Podcast: EOTK Insider with Neil Jones

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Belgian journalist explains why Romeo Lavia is likely to choose Liverpool over Chelsea

Liam Togher — Fri, 28 Jul 2023 06:23:14 +0000

Sacha Tavolieri has outlined a few reasons as to why Romeo Lavia is likely to snub a move to Chelsea in favour of joining Liverpool instead this summer.

The Reds had an opening £37m bid for the Southampton midfielder turned down this week (The Athletic), although the west London club are also thought to be keen on the 19-year-old (Sky Sports News).

The reported interest from the two Premier League clubs could give the Saints the bidding war for which they were holding out, although the Merseysiders still appear to be in the box seat to secure the Belgium international.

Tavolieri took to Twitter late on Thursday night with an update on Lavia, stating: “Despite Chelsea (and now Joe Shields) last minute pressing that we anticipated already yesterday & that will be even more intensive in the coming hours due to Caicedo’s case (who remains the priority), Liverpool continued to advance on Romeo Lavia with Southampton today, still leaning towards Liverpool.

“The plan presented by LFC convinced the Belgian midfielder & his entourage. European football also a key. Human aspects & the sports project are fundamentals with Lavia’s family who are very conscious & reasonable people. A reversal of fortunes seems unlikely but this situation could well enable the Saints to obtain the £50m package they are looking for.”

Liverpool won’t be the only club who’ll be pleased with how the Lavia situation is playing out, with Southampton also set to relish the challenge from Chelsea, as it could create competition which may facilitate the Saints to demand their £50m asking price (The Athletic).

That the player appears to prefer a move to Anfield should put the Reds in a commanding position to get it done from here, and Jurgen Klopp will also be happy to hear Tavolieri’s claim of the 19-year-old’s family being ‘reasonable’, as this’ll make negotiations and future dealings smoother.

In addition, it shows that even qualifying for the Europa League can give a club some all-important pulling power, with the Blues’ failure to obtain any European football for 2023/24 looking set to bite them in this instance.

Liverpool must still be wary of Chelsea potentially throwing money at Southampton to try and steal in for Lavia late in the day, having so often flexed their financial muscles during Todd Boehly’s reign in order to land their transfer targets.

That said, all the indications right now seem to point very much in the Reds’ favour, so hopefully they can now get it across the line from here.

You can see Tavolieri’s tweet below, via @sachatavolieri on Twitter:

Despite #ChelseaFC (and now « famous » Joe Shields) last minute pressing that we anticipated already yesterday & that will be even more intensive in the coming hours due to Caicedo’s case (who remains the priority), #LiverpoolFC continued to advance on Romeo Lavia with… pic.twitter.com/ujslNANWXB

— Sacha Tavolieri (@sachatavolieri) July 27, 2023

#Ep83 of The Empire of the Kop Podcast: EOTK Insider with Neil Jones

The post Belgian journalist explains why Romeo Lavia is likely to choose Liverpool over Chelsea appeared first on The Empire of The Kop.

Journalist: Liverpool expected to make ‘improved bid’ for player they’re ‘reasonably confident’ of signing

Liam Togher — Wed, 26 Jul 2023 06:24:16 +0000

According to Belgian journalist Sacha Tavolieri, Liverpool are ‘reasonably confident’ of signing Romeo Lavia and are expected to make an ‘improved bid’ for him.

On Tuesday, the Reds saw a £37m offer rejected by Southampton, who up to now have been holding out for £50m for the 19-year-old (The Athletic).

However, after football scout Jan Riha claimed that the Merseysiders might be able to get a deal done for less than £40m, Tavolieri also offered hope of the Saints accepting a lower asking price than their initial valuation.

He tweeted: “Sources on the Romeo #Lavia’s deal to #LiverpoolFC feels reasonably confident as the talks are ON and will continue during the week.

“#SouthamptonFC wants to get at least a fixed fee of 40M£ comparable to the buyback clause of Man City in 2024, what they would define as a good business. Five years contract ready. A 2nd improved bid expected.”

An ‘improved bid’ from Liverpool is likely to take them beyond the £40m mark, and if that second offer sees such a figure being offered straight rather than being reached through bonuses or instalments, that might just be enough to get Southampton around the negotiating table.

Tavolieri had also tweeted yesterday that ‘conversations are really open’ between the two sides, who are aiming to ‘find the right deal’, an update which suggests that the Saints could be persuaded into selling for the right price.

Not only could the Reds conceivably sign Lavia if their next offer is strong enough; they could also see him being able to learn from Fabinho, whose move to Al-Ittihad has been put in doubt due to delays in the process (The Athletic).

If Liverpool can land the Belgian youngster and keep hold of the Brazil international, that should leave their midfield looking reasonably well-stocked even with Jordan Henderson’s imminent exit to Al-Ettifaq.

After a two-week period which tested the nerves of many LFC fans, it’s now beginning to look like the pendulum may just be swinging back in our favour.

You can see Tavolieri’s tweet below, via @sachatavolieri on Twitter:

Sources on the Romeo #Lavia’s deal to #LiverpoolFC feels reasonably confident as the talks are ON and will continue during the week. #SouthamptonFC wants to get at least a fixed fee of 40M£ comparable to the buyback clause of Man City in 2024, what they would define as a… pic.twitter.com/KHE67RihnH

— Sacha Tavolieri (@sachatavolieri) July 25, 2023

#Ep83 of The Empire of the Kop Podcast: EOTK Insider with Neil Jones

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Belgian journalist: Southampton make ‘counter-offer’ to Liverpool after £37m Lavia bid rejected

Liam Togher — Tue, 25 Jul 2023 15:57:46 +0000

Sacha Tavolieri has reported of a ‘counter-offer’ made by Southampton to Liverpool for Romeo Lavia after the Reds’ opening gambit was turned down.

As reported by The Athletic earlier today, the Merseysiders’ first bid of £37m has been rejected by the south coast outfit, who are holding out for £50m, but it seems that the two clubs could be ‘open’ to finding ‘the right deal’.

The Belgian journalist tweeted: “We told you this morning that as official bid was expected soon… I understand now that a 1st bid has been sent as per @David_Ornstein around 35M£ but with a counter-offer made today by #SouthamptonFC board of directors.

“#LiverpoolFC wants to close the deal around 40M£ but #SaintsFC wants more but conversations are really open as the aim’s to find the right deal. Wait & See.”

Although Tavolieri didn’t elaborate on the details of Southampton’s ‘counter-offer’, his note that ‘conversations are really open’ hints that the Saints would be happy to discuss a potential deal with Liverpool and meet somewhere in the middle of the two clubs’ respective valuations.

Whether the Reds will be able to persuade the Championship side with an improved offer of £40m – as the journalist suggested -, remains to be seen, but it does look as if there may be wriggle room to negotiate a price which’d satisfy all parties.

Lavia is happy to make the move (Florian Plettenberg), and personal terms won’t be a problem (The Athletic), so at this juncture it seems to be all about the fee and its potential composition.

Liverpool now appear to be intent on trying to get the player in order to offset the prospective loss of Fabinho, so we wait with bated breath to see if they’ll go back to Southampton soon with an improved offer, and whether their second bid could tempt the Saints into at least negotiating on a possible deal.

You can see Tavolieri’s tweet below, via @sachatavolieri on Twitter:

#UPDATE
We told you this morning that as official bid was expected soon…
I understand now that a 1st bid has been sent as per @David_Ornstein around 35M£ but with a counter-offer made today by #SouthamptonFC board of directors. #LiverpoolFC wants to close the deal around… https://t.co/mq4WFF4ViV pic.twitter.com/uBEzo6YpJE

— Sacha Tavolieri (@sachatavolieri) July 25, 2023

#Ep83 of The Empire of the Kop Podcast: EOTK Insider with Neil Jones

The post Belgian journalist: Southampton make ‘counter-offer’ to Liverpool after £37m Lavia bid rejected appeared first on The Empire of The Kop.

Offer imminent: Liverpool set to make their move for midfield target; personal terms are agreed

Liam Togher — Tue, 25 Jul 2023 09:17:58 +0000

Liverpool are reportedly set to submit a formal offer for Romeo Lavia in the coming days, with personal terms being agreed on a potential move to Anfield for the Southampton midfielder.

Shortly after Florian Plettenberg tweeted on Tuesday morning that the Reds are now firm favourites to land the 19-year-old, another European journalist in Sacha Tavolieri took to Twitter with a more comprehensive update on the prospective transfer.

The Belgian reporter stated: “#LiverpoolFC finally starts the talks with #Southampton for Romeo Lavia! Belgian midfielder’s side just agreed on personal terms. These days, Romeo Lavia was waiting for the green light of #LFC Board and was a little annoyed that it was dragging… It moved now!

“First official bid to be sent soon by the Reds. I understand Reds wants to start with an offer close to 35M£… Wait&See.”

With personal terms agreed, and both Lavia and Klopp keen on the transfer going through, it now looks like a matter of just settling a price between the two clubs involved.

If Liverpool go with an opening offer of £35m, as Tavolieri has claimed, there’s a strong chance it could be swiftly rejected by Southampton, who reportedly want £50m for the midfielder.

It’s understandable that the Reds might see that price as excessive for a player who’s only had one season of regular senior football (Transfermarkt), so they could hope to possibly meet somewhere in the middle and throw in some sweeteners to persuade the Saints to sell.

While it’s crucial that LFC don’t allow themselves to be drawn into paying over the odds for Lavia, they’ll also be keen to try and get a deal done quickly, with two of their five pre-season games already played and their Premier League campaign kicking off in just 19 days’ time.

The Belgian teenager has been linked with Liverpool for several months, but it’s now looking as if the transfer might finally be close to materialising. It’s over to the two clubs to strike a deal which’d satisfy them both.

You can see Tavolieri’s tweet below, via @sachatavolieri on Twitter:

#LiverpoolFC finally starts the talks with #Southampton for Romeo Lavia !
Belgian midfielder’s side just agreed on personal terms. These days, Romeo Lavia was waiting for the green light of #LFC Board and was a little annoyed that it was dragging… It moved now!
… https://t.co/9jCU1Rnegp pic.twitter.com/kBnvtx6lrt

— Sacha Tavolieri (@sachatavolieri) July 25, 2023

#Ep82 of The Empire of the Kop Podcast: Who do Liverpool replace Henderson & Fabinho with?

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Liverpool ‘leaning on’ midfielder with PL experience this summer with three new signings possible – Tavolieri

Peter Kenny Jones — Mon, 17 Jul 2023 06:53:34 +0000

Liverpool fans are aware that this summer has already seen a lot of midfield change but with the likely departure of Fabinho now looming too, yet another player may soon arrive in this window.

Taking to his Twitter account, Sacha Tavolieri reported: ‘Liverpool FC thinking about a right back solution during this summer as it has been internal reflections to try Trent-Alexander Arnold as a midfield position…

‘A central back, another midfielder (depends on Thiago Alcantara leaving to Barcelona) and an offensive player at an attacking position are the other prospects are seeking for the rest of the transfer window. LFC still leaning on Romeo Lavia as a new midfield. Real desire to refresh the squad’.

It seems rather unlikely that there could still be three more players coming through the AXA Training Centre’s entrance door this summer but now that a period of transition seems to be in place, this may be the time to do it.

What the real issue may be though is how much money we have available to complete one, two or three more deals, whichever position it is that Jurgen Klopp decides to strengthen.

Romeo Lavia is certainly not a new target and if we decide he, and seemingly possibly Trent Alexander-Arnold, could fill the void of the Saudi-bound Brazilian – then we may have some remaining cash to strengthen the right-back position too.

This seems like a rather optimistic speculation from the Belgian journalist but in what has already been a crazy summer of rumours and completed deals – who really knows what will happen next?

You can view the Lavia update via @sachatavolieri on Twitter:

#LiverpoolFC thinking about a right back solution during this summer as it has been internal reflections to try Trent-Alexander Arnold as a midfield position… A central back, another midfielder (depends on Thiago Alcantara leaving to Barcelona) and an offensive player at an…

— Sacha Tavolieri (@sachatavolieri) July 16, 2023

#Ep80 of The Empire of the Kop Podcast: Fabinho & Jordan Henderson… going, going, gone?

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Belgian reporter drops hint at how much Liverpool could offer in ‘first bid’ for Romeo Lavia

Liam Togher — Tue, 04 Jul 2023 10:44:24 +0000

Belgian journalist Sacha Tavolieri has dropped a hint at how much Liverpool could potentially offer in a prospective ‘first bid’ for Romeo Lavia.

The reporter claimed on Twitter on Tuesday morning that the Anfield recruitment team are now ‘set to focus their energies’ on a move for the 19-year-old, with talks on the player’s side ‘advancing well’.

He then hinted at the potential value of a first offer from the Merseysiders, tweeting: “The Reds – that already kept information on the price tag to #SouthamptonFC – will try for getting a deal around £40m but starting soon with a first bid certainly lower than that.”

If Liverpool are to submit an opening offer of less than £40m, as Tavolieri has suggested, the likelihood is that Southampton will quickly send it back with a firm message of refusal.

The Championship club are believed to want £50m for Lavia and may be determined to hold out for that amount (Football Insider).

Despite the 19-year-old being hailed as an ‘incredible’ talent by a treble-winning manager in Pep Guardiola (mancity.com), the Saints’ reported asking price is rather steep for someone who’s only played regular senior football for one season.

Therefore, it’s understandable why Liverpool would attempt to get him for less than that, although they must be careful not to low-ball Southampton too much if they’re intent on trying to sign him, as doing so could duly annoy the south coast club into blanking the Reds full stop.

We may be shaping up for a month of back-and-forth between the two sides as they each try to strike the best deal possible, with a possibility of them meeting somewhere in the middle if it means Jurgen Klopp gets his man and the Saints enjoy a sizeable top-up to their own summer transfer kitty.

You can see Tavolieri’s tweet below, via @sachatavolieri on Twitter:

#LiverpoolFC set to focus now their energies on Romeo Lavia’s deal. I understand talks on players side are advancing well as the green light’s close but nothing done yet. The ideal projection #LFC would be to get him for the first summer camp with the team.
The Reds -that… pic.twitter.com/q5aJxplniI

— Sacha Tavolieri (@sachatavolieri) July 4, 2023

EOTK Insider with Neil Jones: Lavia OR Thuram next? Why Newcastle DIDN’T come in for Szoboszlai, Liverpool’s difficult signing, and much more!

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European journalist claims Liverpool are in two-horse race to sign 19 y/o who’s wowed De Bruyne

Liam Togher — Mon, 05 Jun 2023 18:08:55 +0000

Liverpool and Chelsea are believed to be in a straight shootout to sign Southampton midfielder Romeo Lavia this summer.

Football Insider reported at the weekend that the Reds have contacted the south coast club to register their interest in the 19-year-old, although the west London outfit are already thought to be ‘working on a deal’.

Belgian journalist Sacha Tavolieri has taken to Twitter on Monday evening to share the latest news on the teenager, for whom the Blues remain firm favourites, although the Merseysiders remain in the hunt for the player.

The reporter tweeted: “Most probable destination for Romeo #Lavia now set to become #ChelseaFC as Joe Shields – head of scouting (who convinced #SaintsFC to get him this summer) has been pushing to his superiors in order to start talks between clubs.”

He then added that the ‘unofficial’ position of the Stamford Bridge hierarchy has been to wait on the prospective sale of Mateo Kovacic before pursuing another midfielder, with Liverpool still in the race for what Tavolieri suggested is now a two-team battle for the Southampton gem.

Despite Southampton’s meek relegation from the Premier League this season, Lavia has already made a big impression on one of the top players in the country.

His compatriot and former Manchester City teammate Kevin De Bruyne told Play Sports (via Hampshire Live) in 2022: “He [Lavia] is very good. He’s been training with us since the end of last year. If he continues his development, I think he’ll be a top player.”

The Belgian teenager did enough to earn 26 top-flight starts for the Saints in the recently-concluded campaign (WhoScored) and stood out as a midfielder who excels in completing unglamorous yet crucial duties out of possession.

He averaged 2.1 tackles per game, the second-highest in the Southampton squad (WhoScored), while his rate of 1.9 blocks per match saw him rank among the top 4% of positional peers in Europe’s five main leagues for that metric (FBref).

While it currently looks as if Chelsea are firmly in the box seat to sign Lavia this summer, it’s good to see that Liverpool are seemingly persisting with their interest in the 19-year-old, ready to pounce should the Blues’ pursuit hit the buffers, amid an apparent lack of competition from anywhere else.

You can see the Twitter updates from Tavolieri below, via @sachatavolieri:

#CFC bosses « unofficial » position has been to wait for the sale of Mateo Kovacic before positioning himself on another midfielder. #LiverpoolFC still on the race while it looks like now a 2-man fight for the #DiablesRouges. 2/2
Wait&See. #mercato #ChelseaFC pic.twitter.com/D5iY27rFze

— Sacha Tavolieri (@sachatavolieri) June 5, 2023

EOTK Insider: The two-time gold medalist who is the only man to sign for Liverpool and Everton on two separate occasions

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