Liverpool dealt another transfer blow as Romeo Lavia picks Chelsea over Reds

David Ornstein has claimed Romeo Lavia has made a decision over whether to join Liverpool or Chelsea.

Both Liverpool and Chelsea have tabled several bids this summer for Lavia, who has not appeared in Southampton’s opening two games of the 2023-24 Championship season.

While the midfielder has four years left on his Southampton contract after joining from Manchester City last summer, he is expected to leave after the Saints were relegated from the Premier League last season.

And on Sunday night, Sky Sports News claimed that a total package had been agreed between Liverpool and Southampton, believed to be worth £60million.

However, according to transfer guru Ornstein, the Belgian star had opted to join Chelsea over the Reds, and there are unlikely to be any issues regarding an agreement.

A fee in the region of £50million plus add-ons is expected to seal the Belgian midfielder's transfer to Stamford Bridge.

Chelsea faced competition from Liverpool for the Belgium international, however the Anfield side are said to be aware of Lavia's choice.

The 19-year-old will be following Moises Caicedo in snubbing an Anfield move for Stamford Bridge in the past 24 hours.

Caicedo is moving to Chelsea in a British record £115million deal, despite Liverpool having seen a £111million deal also accepted by Chelsea.