Liverpool have been told why they are right in their decision not to get involved in a bidding war for Southampton midfielder Romeo Lavia this summer.
The Reds were originally in the running to sign the highly-rated Saints star but as the number of suitors has begun to grow so has talk of the price of the player being driven up.
Chelsea and Arsenal are also known to have a firm interest in the 19-year-old, whose representatives are already said to have had discussions with Anfield chiefs.
Lavia's current contract at St Mary's runs until 2027 after he joined last summer from Manchester City. However, the reigning Premier League champions have a buy-back clause worth £40million for the midfielder which becomes active in 2024.
But with Lavia almost certain to leave this summer following Southampton's relegation, it remains to be seen how his future plays out this summer.
However, former Scotland midfielder Alan Hutton has advised the Reds of not getting involved in a battle to sign the youngster.
Hutton feels that the Anfield outfit have already addressed some of their midfield issues with the addition of Alexis Mac Allister and should look to spend on other areas of their team instead.
Speaking to Football Insider, when asked about Lavia, he said: "Liverpool staying away from a transfer battle is the right call.
"They need more than just one or two bodies, which doesn't make it ideal to get dragged into a bidding war.
"I think they will send a transfer proposal to Southampton, but if that's not accepted then I think they will move on to other targets.
"It was great for Liverpool signing MacAllister, and if they can get two more bodies in, then they will have been successful in this transfer window."
READ MORE: Klopp gets his way with Liverpool to spring midfield signing No 2 that's reliant on major climbdown