Chelsea transfer news: Romeo Lavia is linked with a move to both Chelsea and Liverpool this summer transfer window, with the Blues making their move in recent days.

Romeo Lavia has been linked with Chelsea and Liverpool (Photo by Robbie Jay Barratt – AMA/Getty Images)×

Chelsea have devised a plan to try and stop Liverpool’s expected attempt to hijack their move for Southampton midfielder Romeo Lavia this summer, according to reports.

It comes amidst a messy saga that has between the two sides, who are both in the process of rebuilding their central ranks in the transfer window. The Reds made an effort to land Alexis Mac Allister and Dominik Szoboszlai before they head to Stamford Bridge on Sunday, having already seen a host of important players in midfield leave.

As for the Blues, they are yet to add a senior first-team option for Mauricio Pochettino’s midfield, with a raft of exits resulting in just Enzo Fernandez and Conor Gallagher as cemented senior first-team options. It led to them making a move for Moises Caicedo their top priority this summer.

However, many twists in that race have come about since as Liverpool looked to rivals their bid and agreed a British record £110million fee with Brighton. It seems as though Caicedo prefers the switch to Chelsea, who are yet to make a bid, though football.london understands the Blues are confident of landing the Ecuadorian international over their rivals.

He may not be the only midfield addition as Lavia is also on the radar of the west London side. Chelsea are ‘seriously moving’ for the Southampton youngster as well as Caicedo, football.london has been told, and they are now expecting to sign the Belgian. The moves could cost upwards of £160million, as football.london also understands Chelsea have offered over the £50million asking price for Lavia – consisting of £52million up front and £3million in add-ons.

It could see Chelsea completely blow Liverpool out of the water, with the side having shown considerable interest in landing both midfielders this summer. According to Sacha Tavolieri, the Blues are anticipating a hijack from Liverpool in response to their recent bid and have planned to get a medical prepared as soon as possible to deny that opportunity.

The contract offered is claimed to be a seven-year deal with the option of an extra year on top, with Joe Shields – formerly of Southampton – now pushing to complete the deal. It remains to be seen whether the switch can be completed, but it would be a huge statement of intent from Chelsea to do so.

Soucre: football.london