Liverpool have seen a third bid for Southampton’s Romeo Lavia rejected.
Jurgen Klopp’s side continue to target a deal for the teenage midfielder despite already seeing offers of £35 million and £41m turned down.
But the Championship club’s resolve has remained untested by the Reds’ latest offer of £45m as both parties continue to engage in negotiations.
Southampton are holding out for a £50m valuation to be met before allowing Lavia to become Anfield’s third signing of the summer transfer window.
Were that to happen, it would see Liverpool’s transfer payouts to their South Coast counterparts exceed £200m across the previous nine years.
Lavia was an unused substitute for Southampton’s Championship win over Sheffield Wednesday last Friday as the wrangle over his future continues.