Journalist Fabrizio Romano has revealed details of an improved Liverpool bid for Southampton midfielder Romeo Lavia.
The Reds had an offer of £37 million turned down by the Championship side on Tuesday, but are now set to return with an enhanced proposal.
The Belgian midfielder subsequently played 45 minutes for the Saints during their 3-2 win over Bournemouth in a pre-season friendly.
After the match, Saints boss Russell Martin said he could not give any details on Lavia's future at the club, with Liverpool and Chelsea both circling.Despite the initial rejection, the Reds have been busy behind the scenes preparing a new offer - and Romano has reported its details.
Romano reveals new Lavia bid 'ready'
Taking to Twitter, the transfer journalist revealed that Liverpool's bid is an increase on the £37 million offer they submitted on Tuesday, with add-ons also included.
He wrote: "Understand Liverpool new formal bid for Romeo Lavia is almost ready - around £42.5m guaranteed fee plus £2.5m add-ons up to total £45m package."Liverpool want to be fast as Chelsea are still interested in Lavia, keeping close eye. Arsenal gone quiet as Thomas [Partey] could now stay."
The offer could still be rejected by Southampton, however, who have set an asking price of £50 million for the Belgium youth international midfielder.
Despite relegation in his first full Premier League season, Lavia impressed onlookers and was one of the side's key players.
Former team-mate Theo Walcott made reference to the midfielder's maturity, despite his relative lack of experience, in an interview with talkSPORT in January: "It's like he's played over 200 games in the Premier League, that's how much I rate him.
"It's very interesting to see, watching him from the stands. Obviously it looks so easy from the stands, it always does. You probably know that watching us, 'He should make that run or make that pass' - it's not as straightforward as that.
"But when I watch him, I'm like, 'You look way above your age right now."
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