Chelsea expected to push for £50m signing but he fancies joining Liverpool

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Liverpool are trying to finalise a deal for Romeo Lavia but Chelsea may now make a real push for his signature.

Chelsea are expected to make a strong push for Southampton midfielder Romeo Lavia in the ‘coming hours’.

That is according to Belgian reporter Sacha Tavolieri, who has been one of the most reliable sources throughout the Lavia speculation.

Tavolieri claims that Chelsea have been doing some ‘last minute pressing’ to try and sign Lavia.

The midfielder is ‘still leaning towards Liverpool’ but Chelsea are now expected to go even harder for the Belgian.

Chelsea have failed with another bid for Brighton and Hove Albion midfielder Moises Caicedo and may now focus on Lavia.

Chelsea’s Joe Shields is key here; he worked with Lavia at Manchester City, brought him to Southampton and now wants him at Chelsea.

Liverpool are leading the race though, with European football believed to be a key factor for the Saints talent.

Tavolieri adds that Lavia changing his mind is unlikely now but Chelsea’s interest means Southampton may be able to receive the £50million they want.

Romeo Lavia wanted as Liverpool prepare for another midfield exit

We knew that Liverpool would be active in terms of signing midfielders this summer.

Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, James Milner and Naby Keita all moved on at the end of their contracts whilst Arthur Melo’s forgettable loan spell ended.

In came Alexis Mac Allister and Dominik Szoboszlai, with Liverpool seemingly needing one more after those deals.

The landscape has changed now though as Jordan Henderson has joined Al Ettifaq and Fabinho is set to follow him to Saudi Arabia.

Fabrizio Romano reports that Fabinho’s move to Al Ittihad is set to be completed with a medical imminent.

That means Liverpool may need two or even three midfielders by the end of the summer with Lavia just one of them.

The Belgian showed enormous potential as a holding midfielder last season, even with Southampton suffering relegation.

Replacing an experienced, proven performer like Fabinho won’t be easy but Liverpool clearly believe that he has the potential to grow into the role over the coming years.