Premier League club in talks with Liverpool over move for Fabio Carvalho
Fabio Carvalho is attracting interest from several clubs including Southampton
Southampton boss Russell Martin has confirmed that the Saints are in discussions with Liverpool regarding a potential move for Fabio Carvalho.
Reports on Sunday indicated that Liverpool had rejected a £15 million bid from Southampton for the attacker.
Carvalho, who spent last season on loan at RB Leipzig and Hull City, is valued significantly higher by Liverpool, who are keen to retain the 21-year-old.
Negotiations between the two clubs are expected to continue in the coming days.
Martin is hopeful that these discussions will progress, as he has expressed high regard for the Portuguese star.
However, he acknowledged that the final decision regarding Carvalho’s future now rests with Liverpool head coach Arne Slot.
“He is a player we have liked for a while,” Martin told Sky Sports.
We spoke in January but couldn’t get it done for one reason or another. We had a lot of strength in that position.
“He went and done really well at Hull. We are linked and rumour mill at this time of year is really hot.
“So we’ve been linked with a lot of players, some far away from the truth, some very true.
“He is a player I admire and like, but I’m sure lots of other managers do as well.
“I don’t really have any more information on it now apart from that.
“We’ll have to wait and see.
“I’m on a call this evening with the owners and the chief executive because it never stops in pre-season.
“We’ll discuss the strategy moving forward on every player we’re involved with.
“I think we’re all agreed and aligned, myself and the ownership group, that we will need some additions to help us out, but we have time.
“I’m really relaxed about it, we’re working hard behind the scenes on that.
“I love the group of players I’m working with, they give us absolutely everything.
“I think we’re in a good place.”
According to The Athletic, Liverpool have shown no intention of allowing Fabio Carvalho to leave on loan.
Should Southampton wish to secure a permanent transfer, they will need to significantly improve their offer.
New head coach Slot has been ‘hugely impressed’ with Carvalho’s performances early in his tenure and plans to integrate him into the squad for the upcoming season.
Carvalho featured in all three of Liverpool’s matches during their tour of the USA, scoring against Arsenal and Manchester United.
With some of Liverpool’s key players returning late due to the Copa America and Euro 2024, Carvalho has been given an opportunity to shine.
It is believed he is keen to stay at Anfield for the foreseeable future.
However, if he does not receive the playing time he seeks, Carvalho may seek a move away.
He has three years remaining on his contract, and it is anticipated that Southampton will face competition from other clubs if they do not act quickly to finalise a deal.
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