‘Very special’ 19-year-old who Newcastle looked at now wants to sign for Liverpool

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At the start of the summer, Newcastle United were hoping to raid the clubs that were relegated from the Premier League for new signings.

It is now two weeks until the new season begins, and 50% of the Magpies’ senior signings have come from teams that are now in the Championship. That sounds like a large percentage, but it is less impressive when you remember Eddie Howe has only added two new players to his squad.

Harvey Barnes has joined from relegated Leicester City, and he could soon be joined by Tino Livramento, who was demoted to the second tier with Southampton. There is hope that progress can be made on that deal with the Saints eyeing up Max Aarons as a replacement.

There were plenty of Southampton players who were catching Newcastle’s attention, but Livramento is the only one close to joining the Magpies. Meanwhile, another Southampton player who Howe looked at is edging closer towards a move to one of Newcastle’s Premier League rivals.

Liverpool plan second bid for Romeo Lavia

According to the Telegraph, Liverpool are going to step up their bid to sign Romeo Lavia from Southampton.

The 19-year-old is a major target for Jurgen Klopp, who needs to replace Jordan Henderson and Fabinho ahead of the new season.

The report states that Lavia’s preference is to sign for the Reds this summer, with an improved bid on the horizon after Southampton said no to Liverpool’s initial £38million approach.

They want around £50million for the ‘very special‘ midfielder, and it is now clear why Newcastle did not take their interest in Lavia any further.

It was rumoured that the Magpies could make a move for the Belgian, but his valuation is simply too high. If Newcastle had more cash to splash then Lavia would be a wonderful addition – he could be the ‘number six’ that Howe is looking for.

But Toon officials simply can’t justify spending that kind of money on another midfielder – not while the club are still looking for defensive reinforcements.

Now Newcastle’s loss could be Liverpool’s gain, as they prepare to push ahead and try to sign the teenage sensation.