Chelsea in talks with former Man City star for midfield reinforcement

Chelsea have reportedly opened talks with Southampton's Romeo Lavia in a bid to convince him to join the club in the summer transfer window.  

The 19-year-old midfielder only recently joined the Saints last summer; however, with Southampton's place in the Premier League next season in doubt, clubs in the top flight are looking to pounce on the talented Lavia, including Todd Boehly's Chelsea.

In a Football Insider report today, Chelsea are in talks with Lavia and are looking to bring him into the club alongside Mauricio Pochettino in the summer.  

Chelsea have a long-term interest in the player and are reportedly confident in landing him for around £45 million at the end of the season, despite the fact that he has four years remaining on his contract.

The Blues are looking to exploit the fact that a £45 million release enters the player's contract in 2024 along with a buyback clause that Manchester City can trigger, preventing the Saints from being able to demand more in subsequent windows. 

The player is expected to be open to the move as he wants to remain in the Premier League, with a cloud of relegation cast over Southampton, per the same report. 

Meanwhile, Chelsea are reportedly planning to offload Mason Mount, Mateo Kovacic, and Edouard Mendy at the end of the current campaign as they look to reduce their wage bill ahead of Mauricio Pochettino's expected appointment as manager.