Chelsea hijack Liverpool's move for Belgian star

Chelsea are reportedly planning to hijack Liverpool's bid to sign Southampton midfielder Romeo Lavia this summer.

The Belgian teenager had a promising debut season in the Premier League last term, and he is now eyeing a bigger challenge.

Liverpool have been in regular talks with the Saints over the past few weeks, but they have yet to meet the asking price.

They recently failed with a £45m offer for the youngster, and it is now reported that the Blues have proposed to pay £48m.

Their proposal remains below the Saints' £50m valuation, but the Blues currently have the upper hand in the transfer pursuit.

Liverpool are bound to respond with an improved offer, but as things stand, the Blues have a brilliant chance to hijack the deal.

Meanwhile, Chelsea and Liverpool are also battling for the services of Caicedo, who is currently valued at £100m by Brighton.

The Blues have been negotiating with the Seagulls for a number of weeks, but Liverpool have made a late entry to scupper their plans.