Liverpool inch close Romeo Lavia transfer after Southampton manager admission – Paper Round

Liverpool may have taken a step closer to the signing of Romeo Lavia after Southampton manager Russell Martin admitted he could soon leave the club, along with James Ward-Prowse.

“Liverpool have already seen two bids for the playmaker rebuffed by the Saints, who value the teenager at £50m. And although Martin was in a defiant mood when he was asked about Lavia’s future a couple of weeks ago, he was far less bullish on the eve of Southampton’s opening game of the season.

“Speaking of Lavia and James Ward-Prowse, who has also been linked with a move away, Martin said: ‘Both will be involved as it stands, I don’t know if anything will change between now and then.

“‘Do I think they will be Southampton players by the end of the window? I have not got a clue. What I hope and what I think are probably very different.’”

Former Paris Saint-Germain and Real Madrid defender Sergio Ramos reportedly wants to make the switch to an MLS club.

“In recent days he has received different proposals, but the desire of the defender is to continue shaping his career in the United States, in MLS, which has become a perfect showcase this summer for Spanish soccer after the arrival of Leo Messi.

“Since his time at PSG was over, Ramos decided to take a break before making a decision that could be hasty.

“Saudi Arabian soccer has repeatedly knocked on his door, as well as different Brazilian teams, even the possible interest of Sevilla was rumoured, as a bridge to his return to Spanish soccer, but the real objective of the defender is to try a North American adventure.”

Crystal Palace are looking to sign Bayer Leverkusen defender Odilon Kossounou, according to the Daily Mail.

“Palace have held talks with Torino defender Perr Schuurs, but the move has stalled amid interest from Napoli and Newcastle United.

“Now they are looking at signing Kossounou on a season-long loan, with an obligation to buy next summer.

“The centre-back, 22, made 35 appearances for the German side last season.”

Chelsea might be close to signing another Brazilian this summer, with The Sun linking Deivid Washington to a move to Stamford Bridge.

“Former Gremio schoolboy Washington is said to be keen on the move.

“And Brazilian TV station Globo reckon the fee will be 20m euros – £17m.

“The transfer shows news Chelsea chief Mauricio Pochettino is already planning for the future as much as the present.”