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11th August 2023
07:32pm BST
Chelsea are reportedly close to agreeing a deal with Southampton to sign midfielder Romeo Lavia.
The Blues are desperate for midfield reinforcements after a summer of departures at Stamford Bridge but have so far struggled to find new recruits.
Moises Caicedo had long been the first choice for Mauricio Pochettino however it looked like they would be beaten to the Ecudorian international's signature by Liverpool, who had an offer of £111m accepted.
Caicedo has reportedly rejected their advances though and has his heart set on a move to west London and it now appears that Lavia could also join him.
Despite Southampton's relegation to the Championship, the midfielder was a standout player and had also been on the radar of Liverpool but they are struggling to meet the Saints' £50m asking price and have already had three bids rejected.
According to Sky Sports however, Chelsea have made a £48m offer for the 19-year-old but it remains to be seen if that would be enough to convince Russell Martin's side to accept.
If Chelsea were successful enough in buying both players it would be a significant blow to Liverpool, who had chased the two all summer and are also in need of new bodies in the midfield after selling Jordan Henderson and Fabinho to clubs in Saudi Arabia.
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