If Lavia doesn't sign, Klopp's plan B to face Chelsea

Liverpool's preseason came to an end with an important 3-1 win over Darmstadt that gave them one last glimpse of their squad's strengths and weaknesses just days before facing Chelsea at Stamford Bridge as part of the Premier League's Matchday 1 fixture, with manager Jurgen Klopp having some conflict and concern about resolving a defensive weakness he observed.

While the attack and midfield look in excellent footballing shape, the Reds' front line has some problems that could be solved with a couple of tactical adjustments, and that is at least for this matchday one, Alexis Mac Allister is expected to play a much less attacking role, in order to help cover space alongside Robertson, Van Dijk and Konate.

The limitation to Mac Allister's abilities lies in the uncertainty surrounding the signing of Romeo Lavia, and while the Southampton player and the Reds cannot clearly agree on the final price of the deal, the midfielder may not be contemplated by Klopp, leaving the German manager with a squad that is much more attacking than defensive in midfield.

Reds go for last ditch attempt to sign Lavia

With Klopp aiming to have a solid midfield on the pitch and on the bench, the German's aim is to acquire Lavia in order to have a balance of attacking and defensive midfielders to call upon during matches, which is why it is important to launch a final bid for a player who has been difficult to convince, as his addition would benefit a Mac Allister who would have to limit himself on the pitch and be a man with more scoring opportunities with mid-range shots.