Liverpool prepare ‘imminent’ bid for £50m star as Newcastle plot defender raid and West Ham deal collapses

Rumours - you want them, we got them; a hat-trick of Premier League transfer tid bits, all wrapped up and polished into a state of convenient palatability for your reading pleasure. Hell, we’ll even throw in some added dashes of a opinion too, if you’re impressed by such things.

There’s a heavy Southampton focus to today’s gossip, as top flight clubs look to pick the bones of the relegated Saints this summer. Will they resist the advances of their uber-rich peers, or will they eventually crumble like a sandcastle beneath a steamroller? The smart money is on the latter.

Liverpool set for improved Lavia bid

Ah, the subtle art of negotiation. The gentle dance. The hesitant ritual. Back and forth, back and forth, wiggling and plying at an agreement until it gives way like a milk tooth between the thumb and forefinger of an eager child. Or, y’know, you can just keep chucking money at something until the other party gives in.

That’s what Liverpool are seemingly planning to do where Romeo Lavia is concerned, at least. The Reds have already had a bid of around £37 million rejected for the Belgian midfielder, but according to the Telegraph, they are expected to return to Southamptn imminently with an improved offer.

As things stand, Lavia is valued at around £50 million, and while Liverpool are reluctant to pay quite that much for such an inexperienced player, they are understood to be open to the noton of upping the ante somewhat when they continue talks with his current employers.

The 3AM Verdict: According to the Telegraph, Liverpool believe that Lavia can be a key presence at Anfield ‘for the next 10 years’. If they truly, truly think that is the case, then they need to stop quibbling and should just cough up Southampton’s valuation. After all, were they to miss out, they could be kicking themselves for a decade.

Toon want Livramento

Elsewhere - or rather, in the exact same place - Southampton also face interest from Newcastle United for young full-back Tino Livramento. Much like Liverpool, the Magpies have already been knocked back once by the Saints, but are expected to return with a more enticing financial package in the coming days, as per The Northern Echo.

At the time of writing, Newcastle have not exceeded a bid of £20 million, and it is understood that Southampton are keen to hold out for the best deal possible as there is a hefty sell-on clause written into the contract that the 20-year-old signed when he arrived from Chelsea in 2021.

The Magpies’ efforts could be aided, however, by claims that the Saints are closing in on an agreement to bring Max Aarons in from Norwich City.

The 3AM Verdict: This is going to be a question of price. Livramento is a fantastic prospect, and if Newcastle can sign him for a decent enough fee then they could be securing a really smart deal. The risk they run, however, is being held to ransom, and Eddie Howe and co will be fully aware of the need to walk away from any prospective agreement if it becomes too extortionate.

Antonio deal collapses

And finally, according to Football Insider, Michail Antonio’s proposed transfer from West Ham to Saudi outfit Al-Ettifaq has collapsed. The forward had been the subject of interet from Steven Gerrard’s new club, but it is now understood that talks have been put on hold after the Middle Eastern side signed former Celtic striker Moussa Dembele on a free transfer.

It is unclear at this stage what the future holds for Antonio, who has entered the final year of his contract in east London.

The 3AM Verdict: At this stage, it feels as if Antonio’s race might be run at West Ham. The fact that he has entered the final year of his contract, and that the Hammers are repeatedly being linked with moves for other striking targets would suggest that sooner or later he will be ushered towards the exit door, but with Al-Ettifaq shelving their interest, it is difficult to tell where he will end up next.