Eden Hazard has told Romeo Lavia to join Chelsea this summer as Mauricio Pochettino targets a move for the Belgian.
That is according to the Express.
So, what are the details about Chelsea and Romeo Lavia? Let’s take a look…
What’s the story?
Well, it is no secret that Chelsea admire the 19-year-old.
The Blues even submitted a £50m bid for Lavia back in September after he had made just five appearances for Southampton, having joined the Saints just weeks before in a £14m deal from Manchester City.
Now – according to talkSPORT – Chelsea are resurrecting their interest in the teenager after missing out on Manuel Ugarte to PSG.
The Express has since expanded on that claim, adding plenty of details – including a private chat between Lavia and Hazard.
It is said that the Chelsea legend spoke to his fellow countryman about the Blues before the pair met up with the Belgium National Team in Qatar for the 2022 World Cup.
Hazard allegedly told Lavia that he must join Chelsea if the opportunity presents itself, encouraging him to make the move to Stamford Bridge.
The Express add that Southampton want £45m for their No.45 this summer.
Chelsea have tracked Romeo Lavia intensely
The conversation between Hazard and Lavia was not the only interesting thing mentioned by the Express.
It was also said that Joe Shields – Director of Recruitment and Talent at Chelsea – has been in regular contact with the Southampton prodigy about a move to Stamford Bridge.
Shields is said to be the main driving force behind Chelsea’s pursuit of Lavia, as it was the 36-year-old himself who signed the Belgian for Southampton back in 2022.
It is also said that Graham Potter spoke to Lavia on the phone during the January transfer window, at the same time Todd Boehly proposed a bid to sign the teenager and loan him back to St Mary’s for the rest of the 2022/23 campaign.
That offer was rejected by Southampton – now, however, Chelsea could finally get their hands on Lavia.
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