Liverpool ready to match Chelsea bid for Belgian star

Liverpool are ready to match Chelsea's offer to sign Southampton midfielder Romeo Lavia this summer.

The Merseyside giants are determined to land a defensive midfielder in the current transfer window. Lavia is a top target for them.

The club were recently in talks to sign him for around £45m, but they were outbid by Chelsea, who offered £55m to the Saints.

It is now reported by talkSPORT that the Reds are prepared to match Chelsea's proposal for the Belgium international.

Lavia already has an agreement over personal terms with the club, but the Saints will have the final say regarding his exit.

The South Coast outfit are aware of the bidding war for their player and they could delay his departure until the deadline.

In doing so, they have the opportunity to raise his price further. The Saints may feel they could secure around £60m for his exit.

Liverpool played out a 1-1 draw against Chelsea in their season opener.