Southampton are reportedly set to reject Chelsea’s £48m offer for Romeo Lavia, with Liverpool handed a lifeline in their bid for the midfielder.
According to Sky Sports News, the Saints are expected to turn down the Blues’ bid for the 19-years-old, with Chelsea last night making a surprise move for Lavia despite strong interest from Liverpool.
They said: “Southampton value Lavia at £50m. Chelsea’s bid for Lavia is expected to be rejected but as the offer is just £2m short of Southampton’s valuation, talks could accelerate in the next 24 hours.”
Liverpool have been chasing Lavia for the past few weeks with the Reds having three offers rejected by Southampton for the teen, with the Saints sticking to their £50m asking price all summer.
Whilst Chelsea have come close with their £48m bid, Southampton being expected to turn down the offer is a big boost for Liverpool, who now have to act fast to make their fourth and final proposal.
MORE LIVERPOOL STORIES
Liverpool can’t waste a second in race to sign Lavia
Southampton shooting down Chelsea is big for Liverpool in their chase for Lavia, with the Reds now handed a lifeline in their own bid to bring the midfielder to Anfield.
Whilst there might be a challenge in beating Chelsea, the appeal of playing in Europe and having a shot at top-four could be big for Lavia, who could still prefer Liverpool.
Indeed, time is now of the essence for Liverpool, and the Reds can’t afford to waste even a second in their bid to bring Lavia to Merseyside at the fourth time of asking.