Done Deal as Liverpool at the verge of closing in £60m deal this afternoon

“Liverpool have agreed a £60m deal to sign Romeo Lavia from Southampton. They must still convince the midfielder to choose them over Chelsea. More on @guardian_sport soon.

“Liverpool now the only club with an agreement with Southampton to sign Lavia. Chelsea will have to raise their bid.”

This is great to hear from a Liverpool perspective, but it is also clear that Lavia hasn’t yet decided who to join out of the Reds and Chelsea. The Caicedo saga is proof that supporters shouldn’t get too excited until a move is officially announced, but it would be a surprise if the Southampton star opted for a move to Stamford Bridge, as reports have suggested he has already agreed personal terms at Anfield.

Playing time is surely going to be harder to come by there after the addition of Caicedo, while the west Londoners also don’t have European football to offer this season, unlike the Merseysiders.

At 19, it is clear that Liverpool wouldn’t be signing the finished article with Lavia, but he is a footballer already playing with a maturity well beyond his years, with his ability to avoid the press labelled “ridiculous” by Saints media members.