Revealed: Chelsea to make new Romeo Lavia move after Liverpool swoop

Chelsea are expected to launch a new move for Southampton midfielder Romeo Lavia this week, sources have told Football Insider.

The Londoners have already laid the groundwork for a potential summer deal - and have learned that the Saints want a fee of £45-50million to part with the 19-year-old.

Liverpool have also registered their interest in signing the Belgium international, who was relegated with Southampton in the 2022-23 campaign.

Football Insider revealed last week (30 May) that Arsenal and Man City are also keen on Lavia as a four-way race for his services heats up.

Man City have a buy-back clause worth £40million for the midfielder, who left the Etihad Stadium for the south coast last summer (2022).

However, that option does not become active until 2024 - and the Premier League champions are considering making an early move for him in a bid to prevent their rivals from stealing him away.

Mauricio Pochettino has been appointed as the new Chelsea boss and although he hasn’t officially started – he has marked Lavia as a player he is a huge fan of.

The 19-year-old, who earned his first senior Belgium cap in March, made 35 appearances across all competitions for the Saints in the 2022-23 campaign - notching one goal and one assist.

He played the most Premier League minutes of any teenager this term (2230) - ahead of the likes of Evan Ferguson (952) and Wilfried Gnonto (1353).

Both Chelsea and Liverpool are eyeing significant midfield overhauls in the upcoming summer window.

Football Insider revealed on Monday (5 June) that the Blues are set to step up their interest in Brighton star Moises Caicedo after a move for Sporting CP star Manuel Ugarte fell through.

In other news, Inter Milan make move for 23-year-old Chelsea star.