Chelsea is in advanced talks with Southampton for Belgian midfielder Romeo Lavia
According to a source, there is “cautious optimism” that a full agreement on the transaction may be reached between Chelsea and Southampton.
Chelsea and Lavia’s personal relationships are not expected to be a concern. Liverpool has a deal in the region of £60 million for Lavia, but the player has stated his desire to join Chelsea.
Liverpool had already lost Moises Caicedo to Chelsea. The Blues have agreed a fee with Brighton of £115 million for Caicedo. This comes after Liverpool accepted a £111 million bid from the 21-year-old, only for him to announce his intention to join Chelsea.
Chelsea aim to recruit two midfielders this month, and talks between Chelsea and Leeds United regarding the signing of Tyler Adams fell down last week due to a lack of agreement.
Southampton had maintained their £50 million assessment of 19-year-old Lavia. Chelsea made a £48 million offer last week, while Liverpool had three prior proposals rejected this summer.
Lavia, who joined Southampton from Manchester City last summer, has four years left on his contract but was always anticipated to leave after the Saints were demoted from the Premier League last season.
The Belgium international did not appear off the bench in Southampton’s opening-night triumph over Sheffield Wednesday, and he was not named to the team for the Carabao Cup defeat at Gillingham on Tuesday or the 4-4 draw with Norwich on Saturday.
Brighton CEO Paul Barber has admitted that Liverpool ‘couldn’t have done any more’ to secure Moises Caicedo.
Many concerns have been raised over why Caicedo chose Chelsea over the Reds, who were the first club to reach an agreement, while Brighton’s CEO has stated that the transaction fell through for lack of effort.
