Chelsea are reportedly eyeing up and move for the Southampton midfielder Romeo Lavia.
According to a report from Simon Phillips, Chelsea tried to sign the player during the summer transfer window as well but the move did not materialise.
The Blues have not given up on the 19-year-old midfielder and they are prepared to return for him at the end of the season.
Simon Phillips has revealed to GiveMeSport that Chelsea have been speaking to the midfielder’s agent and they have made it known that they are ready to try and bring the player to Stamford Bridge at the end of the season.
He said: “Romeo Lavia is one that they approached in January.
“They’ve been speaking to his agent making it known that they are ready and willing to try and sign him, but he’s got to make his decision where he wants to go.”
It remains to be seen whether Lavia is willing to push for a move in the summer.
The talented young midfielder has made quite an impression since his move to Southampton and the Saints might not be willing to let him leave just yet. He has a long-term contract at St Mary’s and Southampton are not under any pressure to sell him just yet.
However, the opportunity to move to a club like Chelsea is likely to be attempting proposition and the youngster could have his head turned by their interest.
A move to Stamford Bridge could accelerate his development and he will certainly improve as a footballer while playing alongside top-class players at Chelsea.
Furthermore, Graham Potter did well to nurture talented young midfielders during his time at Brighton and Lavia will certainly benefit from playing under the Chelsea manager.
The Blues signed Enzo Fernandez from Benfica for a British transfer record fee during the January transfer window but they are in need of more midfielders.
Jorginho has already left the club and N’Golo Kante is set to move on when his contract expires in the summer.
The likes of Mason Mount, Conor Gallagher, and Ruben Loftus-Cheek have been linked with potential moves away from Stamford Bridge as well.
It seems that Graham Potter might need to bring in multiple midfielders at the end of the season and Lavia could prove to be a quality long-term acquisition.
The 19-year-old has a lot of room for improvement and he could develop into a top-class Premier League player.
Chelsea had a £50 million offer for Lavia knocked back last summer and it will be interesting to see how much Southampton demand for the young Belgian under-21 international at the end of the season.
The Premier League side signed him in July 2022 for a fee of around £14m from Manchester City and they are likely to demand a premium if the Blues come calling once again.
