According to The Athletic, Liverpool have identified a replacement target for Romeo Lavia, a player they have just been rejected by Southampton.

Upgrading midfield has been one of Liverpool’s key issues this summer. The Red Brigade needs young and fighting faces for their midfield.

Although Dominik Szoboszlai and Alexis Mac Allister have moved to Anfield, manager Jurgen Klopp still needs further players in this department. Romeo Lavia was recently the subject of a 37 million pound deal from Liverpool to Southampton. The Saints promptly objected, though, as their desired amount was 50 million pounds.

Unable to convince the Belgian talent, but The Reds still have other quality options. The Athletic’s David Ornstein says Liverpool are keeping an eye on Cheick Doucoure, Sofyan Amrabat, Ryan Gravenberch and Kalvin Phillips.

In it, Phillips was identified as the most reasonable replacement for Lavia. The English midfielder has proven his ability in a Leeds United shirt. Moving to Man City, although he has not shown many things under coach Pep Guardiola, the 27-year-old is still a top defensive midfielder. Jordon Henderson has called him “talented” in the past.

At this point, the deal will depend on the price Liverpool offers and Pep’s decision about the player is not too favored by him. The prospect of Phillips leaving the Etihad will not come as a surprise in the coming weeks.