Belgian ace prepared to reject Chelsea for Liverpool

Southampton midfielder Romeo Lavia remains determined to join Liverpool amid interest from Chelsea, according to Sacha Tavolieri.

The 19-year-old had a brilliant debut season in the Premier League last term. He showed plenty of maturity with his performances.

Liverpool have identified him as a replacement for outbound star Fabinho, and Tavolieiri claims that they have the upper hand for now.

The Reds are currently planning a second bid of £45 million for the teenager, but it is claimed that the Saints want at least £50m.

Chelsea appear willing to pay the fee, but Lavia is already sold on the prospect of joining Liverpool in the current transfer window.

The news will come as a blow for the Blues, who are desperate to sign a new defensive midfielder ahead of the new league campaign.

They initially missed out on landing Manuel Ugarte to PSG, and have gone nowhere in the pursuit of Brighton & Hove Albion's Moises Caicedo.

Chelsea recently made a bid of around £80m for the midfielder, but Brighton are adamant that they won't sell him for less than £100m