Liverpool ready to let Thiago leave and weigh up £50m Lavia move as replacement
Liverpool are willing to offload Thiago Alcantara amid interest from the Saudi Arabia league, with Southampton's Romeo Lavia the next midfielder on Jurgen Klopp's radar.
Thiago has one year remaining on his current deal, and Liverpool have no intention of extending his terms. That makes a sale this summer more enticing than allowing the 32-year-old to leave on a free transfer next year.
Saudi clubs have expressed a desire to talk to the midfielder and have found Liverpool receptive to the idea of Thiago moving on should he wish.
His decision may influence whether Klopp spends big on a third midfielder during this transfer window having already committed £95 million on Alexis Mac Allister and Dominik Szoboszlai.
Versatile, young and multi-faceted midfielders were always Klopp's first priority ahead of next season. Longer-term, a specialist No 6 is also under consideration, but dependent on how many of the squad leave between now and August.
Liverpool have Fabinho, Jordan Henderson, teenager Stefan Bajcetic and Thiago who have - at different times - all filled the deeper midfield role. Liverpool's recruiters are mindful of the age profile of those in that critical position, and while Henderson and Fabinho remain the senior players, Thiago would face a battle for playing time in the season ahead given Liverpool's recruitment has targeted those who are more direct competition for his place.
The Saudi move for Thiago increases the possibility of Liverpool making a formal approach for Lavia, but his valuation of £50 million is considered too prohibitive for Klopp to make a move. At this stage it seems unlikely Liverpool will make a bid without raising money from sales, especially as Klopp would also like to add a young defender
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