After the Lavia setback, Liverpool is determined to hijack a Manchester City star.

According to The Athletic, Liverpool has identified a replacement target for Romeo Lavia, the player they were recently rejected by Southampton for.

Upgrading the midfield is one of Liverpool’s top priorities this summer. The Reds are in need of youthful and combative faces for their midfield.

While Alexis Mac Allister and Dominik Szoboszlai have arrived at Anfield, manager Jurgen Klopp still requires further reinforcements in this area. Not long ago, Liverpool made a £37 million bid to sign Romeo Lavia from Southampton. However, The Saints quickly turned it down, as they hold out for £50 million.

Unable to persuade the talented Belgian, The Reds still have other quality options. Journalist David Ornstein of The Athletic reveals that Liverpool has their eyes on Cheick Doucoure, Sofyan Amrabat, Ryan Gravenberch, and Kalvin Phillips.

Among them, Phillips is considered the most suitable replacement for Lavia. The English midfielder has showcased his abilities in Leeds United’s jersey. Since joining Manchester City, although not having shown much under Pep Guardiola’s guidance, the 27-year-old remains a top defensive midfielder. Jordon Henderson has previously praised him as “a talent” in the past.

Now, the success of this deal will depend on the price Liverpool offers and Pep’s decision regarding a player he may not favor greatly. The prospect of Phillips leaving Etihad in the coming weeks would not be surprising.