Liverpool now make their move to sign ‘extremely talented’ player who Pochettino wants at Chelsea

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Chelsea now face serious competition from Liverpool in the race to sign Romeo Lavia from Southampton this summer.

That is according to Fabrizio Romano, who claims that the Reds have now opened talks to sign the 19-year-old.

So, what is the latest on Chelsea target Romeo Lavia? Let’s take a look…

What’s the story?

Well – according to the Guardian – Mauricio Pochettino personally wants the Belgium international at Stamford Bridge after Mateo Kovacic and N’Golo Kante both left west London.

However, Liverpool have now started negotiations to sign the teenager from Southampton.

Speaking on YouTube, the reliable Romano said: “Liverpool have opened talks to sign Romeo Lavia. Manchester United have asked about the situation, Chelsea did the same a few weeks ago.”

After the Reds made a move for the Belgian, the ball is now in Chelsea’s court to get involved in negotiations as well.

If Pochettino truly does want Lavia at Stamford Bridge, it would certainly be wise of Todd Boehly to get talking to Southampton, or else he risks letting down the Argentine – who he has only just hired.

Lavia – who has been described as an “extremely talented” footballer by Ralph Hasenhuttl – put his name up in lights during the 2022/23 campaign despite Southampton’s relegation, impressing in his 29 Premier League appearances.

Chelsea need to open Lavia talks

In our view, Chelsea cannot let Lavia move to Liverpool without a fight.

The Belgian maestro – who Eden Hazard has allegedly told to join Chelsea – is a very realistic signing for Pochettino after Southampton were relegated, and the South American could certainly do with some more depth in his midfield department.

As aforesaid, Kante and Kovacic have departed, while Ruben Loftus-Cheek is also close to joining AC Milan – according to Calciomercato.

There is also interest in Conor Gallagher from a number of clubs, so Pochettino may need to embark on a serious shopping spree when it comes to midfield reinforcements.

Ultimately, Lavia is arguably one of the best, and most realistic, options for the Blues – he simply cannot be allowed to join Liverpool without Chelsea putting up a fight.