Liverpool's interest in signing Bayern Munich midfielder Ryan Gravenberch is set to end, with a pursuit of Southampton wonderkid Romeo Lavia to become their main focus.
Gravenberch had been linked to a potential signing, with the Dutchman having shown the qualities needed to fill a role in Jurgen Klopp's midfield after it became clear that Jude Belligham was an unrealistic target. However, the signings of Dominik Szoboszlai and Alexis Mac Allister have filled that requirement within Klopp's squad.
Now, sights are set to turn to a more defensive midfielder, with Lavia, 19, thought to have the qualities required to bring competition to the holding role currently occupied by Fabinho.
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According to Sky Sports Germany, Liverpool's interest is set to come to an end, with the Dutchman falling outside of Klopp's requirements following his early business in the summer transfer market. There was reported to have been contact in the early stages of the window, with discussions taking place but now talks have come to an end.
Gravenberch was thought to represent a bargain option, with a fee of little more than the £16.3m Bayern paid last summer to Ajax required to make the signing. However, the 21-year-old will now have to make a decision with regards to some of the other clubs who are reportedly in to sign him after impressive performances at the the Euro U21 Championships.
At present, it looks as though he will be determined to stay in Germany to fight for a place in the team under Thomas Tuchel - with comments to Dutch media suggesting that his intention is to remain with the Bavarian giants.
He told Dutch outlet AD: "The difference from playing everything at Ajax to sitting on the bench for eighty or even ninety minutes each time was both physically and mentally tough. I found that especially difficult before the winter break. Now I handle it better.
"I assume that I will still be playing for Bayern next season. That's really how I feel about it. I'm in a top 3 club in the world. I think that's beautiful and special. I'm not giving up easily. My goal is still to succeed at Bayern.”
