Chelsea have opened talks with Southampton for midfielder Romeo Lavia, football.london understands.
A fire sale is expected on the south coast following the Saints’ relegation to the Championship. One star who could fetch a lot of cash is Lavia, signed from Manchester City for around £10million last summer.
The Belgian proved a rare highlight in an otherwise disappointing campaign for Southampton as their 11-year stay in the Premier League came to an end. City have a buyback option for Lavia but, fortunately for Chelsea, that is not expected to kick in until 2024.
Should Southampton sell up, the 19-year-old is not expected to come cheap. Reports suggest the Saints are commanding as much as £50million for talisman James Ward-Prowse and Lavia would cost a similar fee.
READ MORE: Chelsea news and transfers LIVE: 'Done deal', Kovacic agreed, Declan Rice message, Neymar stance
Chelsea watched the defensive midfielder extensively last season and football.london also understands any Lavia deal would not rule out a move for Brighton star Moses Caicedo. The Blues - as well as Arsenal - are linked with the £75million man as Mauricio Pochettino eyes his first signing.
Strengthening the engine room was not deemed a priority until recently, with Mateo Kovacic in line for a Man City move. A surprise deal will see the Croatian move north despite a poor season at Stamford Bridge.
Mason Mount and N’Golo Kante also appear likely to seek pastures new. Losing three first-team midfielders frees up space for Chelsea to sign a replacement to partner record arrival Enzo Fernandez, while the Blues continue to be linked with a move for Brighton's Moises Caicedo.
READ NEXT:
Mauricio Pochettino has already given Eden Hazard stance as $17m Chelsea transfer price emerges
Lionel Messi makes transfer U-turn in $1.2bn shock as Mauricio Pochettino gets double Chelsea blow
