Jamie Carragher has labelled Liverpool’s pursuit of Southampton midfielder as ’embarrassing’ as they have seen a third bid for the teenager rejected.
The Reds lodged a third offer of £45m, inclusive of add-ons, but the Championship side have turned it down as they hold out for their £50m valuation.
With the season beginning this weekend, it is far from ideal for Liverpool to still be pursuing one of their key targets in their midfield rebuild.
Carragher, who played over 700 times for Liverpool, says the trio of bids below the asking price is ’embarrassing’ as his former club should just pay the fee or move on.
The former England defender has also questioned why the Reds are not going after Brighton star Moises Caicedo, who would be as much as double the cost of Lavia, but would be worth the investment after selling Jordan Henderson and Fabinho to Saudi Arabia.
Responding to the news that the third Lavia bid was rejected, Carragher tweeted: ‘This is embarrassing. Liverpool for years now have got deals done quickly with no fuss.
‘If you don’t think he’s worth 50M move on, if you really want him pay it.
‘Also not sure why LFC aren’t in for Caicedo, yes it’s a lot of money but Liverpool got big money for JH/FAB.’
Jurgen Klopp is light on midfielders after selling Henderson and Fabinho, while James Milner, Naby Keita and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain all left on free transfers this summer.
Alexis Mac Allister and Dominik Szoboszlai have come in, but Klopp needs more reinforcements, specifically at the base of midfield after Fabinho’s departure.
Negotiations between Liverpool and Southampton are continuing for Lavia, so the chances of a deal are not over.
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