Romeo Lavia has received a last-ditch offer from Chelsea in an attempt to sabotage Liverpool’s pursuit of the Southampton midfielder.
Despite Saints’ relegation to the Championship, Lavia, 19, had a fantastic debut season there and is now one of the most sought-after players in Europe. Liverpool has already had three offers from Southampton, who value the Belgian at about £50 million, rejected, with the highest being £46 million.
Saints are in no need to sell players at discounted prices and are standing firm on their valuation. Lavia was left out of Southampton’s squad to face Gillingham in the Carabao Cup on Tuesday, after being an unused substitute in the opening day win over Sheffield Wednesday last Friday.
And now, Chelsea have entered the race to sign Lavia. The Blues have lodged a bid of £48m including add-ons for the ex-Manchester City youngster, which is the closest anyone has come to Southampton’s valuation. Talks are set to continue between the two parties over a potential move.
After losing Mateo Kovacic, N’Golo Kante, and Mason Mount this summer, Mauricio Pochettino is eager to add at least one central midfielder to his team. Brighton wanted £90 million up front and an additional £10 million to be made up in incentives and anticipated clauses, and Chelsea made progress in negotiations on Wednesday night. Chelsea had been after Moises Caicedo.
Despite Caicedo missing Brighton’s 1-1 draw with Rayo Vallecano due to a hamstring injury, it is believed that a deal might be finalized before Chelsea’s Premier League start against Liverpool. Enzo Fernandez, Conor Gallagher, and Carney Chukwuemeka all started Chelsea’s last preseason match against Borussia Dortmund, which would significantly benefit from the additions of Caicedo and Lavia to the midfield department.
Liverpool’s team under Jurgen Klopp is not anticipated to give up on acquiring Lavia. As the Reds look to bolster their midfield after losing Fabinho, Jordan Henderson, James Milner, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, and Naby Keita this summer, they may make a fourth bid for the Southampton star.