Chelsea have reached an agreement with Southampton to secure the acquisition of Romeo Lavia who is also a target for Liverpool.
The Blues have agreed on a deal reportedly worth 58 million pounds for the 19-year-old midfielder, the West London club are set to beat Premier League rivals Liverpool who is also keen on landing the Belgian player.
Southampton initially rejected three Liverpool bids for the former Anderlecht defensive midfielder.
Romeo Lavia appeared to be joining Liverpool after a 60 million pounds deal between the Reds and Saints was agreed, but the former Manchester City player has decided to join Chelsea instead.
Liverpool, led by Jurgen Klopp were required to match the Blue’s £55 million proposal to acquire the 19-year-old Belgium midfielder.
The Merseyside giants later submitted a bigger offer than their Premier League rivals as Jurgen Klopp frantically tries to sign another midfielder after the departure of Fabinho.
However, Lavia had not yet agreed to personal terms with Liverpool, and despite a sum being agreed upon with the Saints, he is now moving to Chelsea.
Similar circumstances occurred when Liverpool had a British record £111 million offer for Moises Caicedo approved by Brighton & Hove Albion.
The Ecuadorian International midfielder ultimately declined a move to Liverpool and later secured a transfer to Chelsea instead.
Southampton had been holding out for £50m for the teenager, but thanks to the bidding war, they are now certain to receive more money than they had planned.
Lavia just transferred from Manchester City to St. Mary’s last summer for £14 million, where he was one of their few bright spots in an otherwise disastrous season.
According to football insiders, Man City will reportedly receive 20% of the profit for the transfer of Lavia to Chelsea as a result of the sell-on clause placed into the agreement that sent the Belgian international to the south coast.
Last season, he made 35 appearances across all competitions and contributed a goal and an assist.
It is believed that the Blues will initially pay £53 million for the Belgian midfielder’s services, with an additional 5 million pounds coming in as add-ons if specific standards are met.
The player’s transfer to Stamford Bridge is based on him passing a medical test, according to the report, which also states that personal terms between Lavia and the West Londoners have not yet been agreed upon.
The Belgium international defensive midfielder is yet to make an appearance for Russell Martin’s championship-division side this season. He was an unutilized substitute in the 2-1 victory at Sheffield Wednesday on August 4.
Lavia reportedly preferred a move to Stamford Bridge over Anfield because he could team up with Moises Caicedo and Enzo Fernandez in the Blues’ midfield position.
What’s next for Romeo Lavia and Chelsea?
When Mauricio Pochettino’s team travels to face West Ham United at the London Stadium on Sunday afternoon, 20th of August, Chelsea may be in a position to give both Romeo Lavia and Caicedo their debuts.
