Chelsea close in on £55m deal for Liverpool target amid Caicedo interest – personal terms agreed

Chelsea are close to reaching an agreement for Southampton midfielder Romeo Lavia, according to reports.

The 19-year-old is wanted by Chelsea and Liverpool this summer, with both clubs already having bids rejected by Southampton, who were relegated to the Championship.

Chelsea had a £48 million bid snubbed by Southampton, who are holding firm on their £50 million valuation of the teenager.

Now the Blues have gone back in for Lavia and, as per various reports, are close to a £55 million agreement for the midfielder.

As reported by Ben Jacobs, personal terms have already been agreed between Chelsea and Lavia, with suggestions in Belgium that Chelsea have an initial five-year contract ready for Lavia.

Chelsea and Liverpool are also going head-to-head for Brighton’s Moises Caicedo. Liverpool have had a British record £110 million bid accepted by Brighton, however Caicedo is holding out for Chelsea after informing Jurgen Klopp’s side that he wants to move to Stamford Bridge rather than to Anfield.

It is claimed by Nizaar Kinsella that Chelsea’s pursuits of Lavia and Caicedo are not a case of one or the other, Chelsea will sign both players if they are able to.

Chelsea are yet to submit an improved bid for Caicedo as Brighton wait their next move.

Mauricio Pochettino confirmed on Friday ahead of Chelsea’s Premier League clash against Liverpool on Sunday that he wanted to strengthen his midfield, but refused comment on interest in Caicedo.

“I never talk about players that don’t belong to us,” Pochettino told reporters. “I am so respectful. I can tell you we are working very hard to add more players. To add quality.

“When we have news for you the club will tell you. At the moment I don’t want to talk about players that don’t belong to us. It’s important to be respectful. We are working hard to reinforce the team and the squad.

“I am so happy in the way we are doing things with Paul, Lawrence and the owners. The relationship is really good and close. So far so good. We are so happy.”