Romeo Lavia: Southampton star ‘open’ to Chelsea move after £48m offer despite long Liverpool chase

Chelsea have moved fast to try and secure Southampton’s Romeo Lavia despite Liverpool being front runners for him all summer.

Mauricio Pochettino’s side have tried to hijack the move by biding a stunning £48million for the midfielder as they look to transform their midfield with eyes also on Brighton and Hove Albion’s Moises Caicedo.

Liverpool have been impressed with the midfielder all summer, but have been left frustrated by Southampton's determination to get at least £50million for his services, similar to Brighton’s resolve to hold on to Caicedo.

Jurgen Klopp’s side have had three bids turned down before Chelsea outbid them on Wednesday. Ironically, Liverpool have turned the game on Chelea by also entering the race for Moises Caicedo.

Nineteen-year-old Lavia is reported to be open to moving to Chelsea if a deal is agreed despite Liverpool's long-standing interest but in a reverse move, Brighton’s Caicedo is interested in Chelsea which keeps the Blues in the race.

Chelsea will face Liverpool at Stamford Bridge this weekend in what is their first game of the season, even though both sides have clearly not finished with the summer transfer business.

Liverpool legend Jamie Carragher has branded the Reds dealings with the highly-rated Lavia as embarrassing as they’ve failed to meet the £50million fee Southampton want for him.

The Sky Sports pundit said on Twitter: “If you don’t think he’s worth £50m move on. If you really want him, pay it.”

Chelsea are short of midfield options after losing N’Golo Kante and Mateo Kovacic this summer. They also sold Jorginho to Arsenal in January.

Mauricio Pochettino has just Conor Gallagher, Enzo Fernandez, Andrey Santos, Carney Chukwuemeka and new signing Lesley Ugochukwu as options to play in his midfield three against Liverpool on Sunday.