Liverpool end interest in £50m star as centre-back transfer pursuit heats up

08 July 2023 , 04:00

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Liverpool have already completed two significant transfers in the summer window – but more could still be in the pipeline.

The Reds got ahead of the competition by moving fast to bring in Alexis Mac Allister and Dominik Szoboszlai in an effort to rebuild their midfield. Their decisive efforts mean that the losses of James Milner, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, Naby Keita and Arthur Melo should not be keenly felt when the 2023/24 season starts.

But Liverpool are not done yet and they have until the deadline on September 1 to complete any more business. While they are content with the work done in the middle of the pitch, new sporting director Jorg Schmadtke is working on the possibility of signing a young central defender to increase the squad depth.

With that in mind, here are the latest rumours involving Liverpool.

Lavia too expensive

Romeo Lavia showed his talents in the Premier League last season for Southampton and was expected to leave Saints following their relegation.

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But a deal for the 19-year-old midfielder is not close, despite Liverpool, Arsenal, Manchester United and Chelsea all keeping an eye on the Belgian international. That is because Saints value him at £50million – a year after buying him from Manchester City for £10.5m.

Liverpool have signed two midfielders and won’t pay Southampton’s asking price. The Athletic recently reported that Liverpool would not move for another midfielder unless one of their current crop leaves.

Schuurs bid expected

Perr Schuurs is a reported target for Liverpool (Getty Images)

While their search for midfielders is on hold, Liverpool are reportedly looking for defenders, with Torino expecting a bid for Perr Schuurs, according to Tuttosport, via Sport Witness.

Jurgen Klopp is keen to bring in a new centre-back and it's believed Liverpool have already seen a €30m (£25.6m) bid for Schuurs rejected by Torino.

They are said to be holding out for €40m (£34.2m) because the Netherlands international has three years left on his contract. Schuurs has made 33 appearances for Torino since his €9.4m (£8m) transfer from Ajax in August.

Colwill talks hints

Levi Colwill is playing for England under-21s at the moment (MB Media/Getty Images)

One of the central defenders interesting Liverpool is Levi Colwill, who spent last season on loan with Brighton, but is owned by Chelsea.

The youngster is currently playing for England under-21s at the European Championships and will compete in the final on Saturday against Spain.

Liverpool have kept an eye on him amid reports that Brighton would be willing to pay a club-record £40m fee to sign him permanently. Mauricio Pochettino is also keen to work with him at Chelsea next season.

Harvey Elliott would like his Young Lions team-mate to come to Liverpool though, it seems. Posting after England’s 3-0 win over Israel in the semi-final, Colwill wrote on Instagram, “One last push! Onto the final”. Elliott replied with “Let’s have a chat”, along with a laughing emoji.