Chelsea close to completing shock move for midfielder

Chelsea begin their Premier League campaign by welcoming Liverpool to Stamford Bridge on Sunday.

The match will mark the start of the Mauricio Pochettino era at the club and will undoubtedly be a hard-fought encounter.

Both sides could have added incentive for this game, though, as the two clubs are currently battling it out off the pitch to sign Brighton and Hove Albion star Moises Caicedo.

The Ecuador international has been at the centre of one of this summer’s biggest transfer sagas, but he finally looks likely to join the Blues after a number of twists and turns in recent days.

Liverpool had hoped to beat their rivals to Caicedo’s signature with a late £111 million offer, but the player has since told the Reds that his intention is to move to Stamford Bridge, according to Fabrizio Romano.

Now, though, Chelsea are closing in on the signing of another high profile midfielder.

According to 90min, the West London outfit are close to reaching an agreement with Southampton for midfielder Romeo Lavia.

The 19-year-old only joined the Saints last year from Manchester City but enjoyed a remarkable debut season at St. Mary’s and has since been linked with a move away.

The report claims that Chelsea reignited their interest in the Belgian on Friday and are now close to finalising a £55 million move for the player.

Liverpool, who are also in the market for a midfielder, have already seen at least one offer for the teenager rejected, with Southampton holding firm on their £50 million valuation of the star.

Last term Lavia made 34 appearances across all competitions for the Saints and was arguably their most impressive player, but was unable to prevent their relegation.

The Belgium under-21 international wasn’t involved in their Championship season opener against Sheffield Wednesday last week, and is unlikely to feature against Norwich on Saturday afternoon.