Because Southampton is “confident” of recouping the around £50 million cost of Romeo Lavia, a deal between the Reds and Southampton appears improbable this summer.

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The midfielder has recently been the subject of much speculation, and according to recent speculations, Liverpool now views him as their top target as they begin their summer rebuild.

According to The Athletic’s James Pearce and Raphael Honigstein, one of the “current crop” will have to leave, and Belgian writer Sacha Tavolieri reveαled this week that negotiations over a prospective move to Anfield are “advancing well.”

Southampton manager Russell Martin seems to be resigned to losing some of his key players this summer, but it appears the Saints are unwilling to allow their man leave for a pittance.

In addition to Liverpool, Lavia has piqued the curiosity of other Premier League heavyweights such as Chelsea, Arsenal, and even the teen’s old squad, Manchester City.

The Reds may struggle to complete a deal for the 19-year-old after finding that Southampton are “confident” of getting £50 million for him, according to Sky Sports’ Melissa Reddy.

Lavia is Liverpool’s third signing this summer, but “there would need to be a significant dent in Southampton’s asking price for the Belgium international, who would also need to make it clear Anfield is his destination of choice,” according to Reddy.

According to the source, “Liverpool’s approach this summer has been to extract value for the right profile despite an inflated market, and to pursue ‘clean’ deals that do not involve bidding wars or become drawn out.”

Reddy, like Pearce and Honigstein, believes the Reds’ “stance” is for one of their current midfielders to leave to create room for a new one.

The asking price of £50 million is unlikely to be an amount Liverpool is willing to commit to for such a young talent, according to those expecting to see the Belgian go to Merseyside this summer.

If the Saints maintain their stance on the price, Lavia, who will be eager to return to the top flight, may force their hand in the coming weeks. Competitors for his signature, on the other hand, are likely to be concerned about the price if Southampton holds firm.

Despite being relegated to the Championship, the Saints expect to get a good price for Lavia, their best player. If Lavia declares his desire to join Liverpool as his next club, the Reds may be able to negotiate a reduced fee.

Man City has a buyback option for the 19-year-old that kicks in next summer and is worth £40 million, putting Southampton in a somewhat advantageous bargaining position.

Liverpool is still interested in Lavia, but for a deal to be completed, the two parties may need to reach an agreement.