Chelsea have reached an agreement to pay £52 million plus £3 million in add-ons for Southampton midfielder Romeo Lavia, according to reports from Sacha Tavolieri. Despite the advanced talks between the clubs, it is believed that Liverpool could hijack the deal and bring the Belgian to Anfield this summer.
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Tavolieri’s report has revealed that the Blues are “now close” to completing a deal with Southampton, with Mauricio Pochettino’s side expected to pay a fixed fee of £52 million with £3 million in add-ons. The club are reportedly intending to agree on a contract length of seven years with the player.
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However, the deal is not yet complete and Chelsea are concerned that Liverpool could attempt to hijack the transfer. They have asked their medical team to be on standby for confirmation of an agreement with the Saints, in order to prevent giving Jurgen Klopp’s side a chance to disrupt the deal.
Transfer Situation Between Liverpool and Chelsea ‘Messy’
Tavolieri has also claimed that the 19-year-old has been left confused by the transfer situation, with his future still uncertain despite the West London club being in advanced negotiations with Southampton. Liverpool had previously launched bids for the teenager but felt the asking price for Lavia was too high, according to David Ornstein.
The journalist has claimed that there is an exceptionally “messy situation” between the young midfielder’s suitors, who both battled over Moises Caicedo earlier this week. It is believed that there is huge tension between the clubs.
It appeared on Friday that the Brighton star would be on the way to Merseyside after Liverpool reached a club-record agreement with Brighton for £110 million. Unfortunately for Klopp’s side, the Ecuadorian is understood to have informed his club and his suitors that he was only interested in a move to Stamford Bridge.
It remains to be seen whether Liverpool will launch a bit to scupper Chelsea’s transfer plans. With the club on the verge of starting the Premier League season in need of a defensive central midfielder, they could be prepared to improve their offer to Southampton, in an effort to lure the Manchester City academy graduate away from the south.
Romeo Lavia Impressed for Saints in Debut Season
The young prodigy earned widespread acclaim for his performances last season, despite his club’s relegation from the Premier League. Teammate Theo Walcott praised the youngster for “playing way above his age” following an outstanding performance in the Saints’ 1-0 win over suitors Chelsea last season.
Despite only featuring in 29 Premier League games in his short career, his composure on the ball and exceptional defensive positioning has impressed top sides enough to convince them to pursue him this summer. Lavia was undoubtedly the standout star for Southampton in an otherwise dreary season.
