Chelsea plan Michael Olise transfer move as Romeo Lavia makes defining Liverpool decision

Romeo Lavia has chosen to join Chelsea over Liverpool with the 19-year-old now finalising a move to Stamford Bridge, football.london understands.

Liverpool were also seriously interested in the midfielder after they missed out on Moises Caicedo to Chelsea. The Reds, who drew 1-1 with the Blues on Sunday afternoon, saw a £60million offer accepted by Southampton for the Belgium international.

However, after serious consideration from Lavia and his entourage, they informed Chelsea on Monday afternoon that the player would prefer a move to west London rather than Merseyside. football.london has been told that Chelsea are hopeful of completing the deal to sign Lavia in the next 36 hours or so.

Liverpool saw an opportunity to outbid Chelsea for Caicedo and almost hung Lavia out to dry. When Caicedo made it clear to the Merseyside club that he wanted to join Chelsea, Liverpool then turned their attention back to the Belgian, which may not have gone down the best with his camp.

Chelsea's co-director of recruitment and talent, Joe Shields, has been significant negotiations to sign Lavia. Shields worked at Southampton as the club's head of senior recruitment and in that time built a strong relationship with Lavia, who he now desperately wants to bring to Stamford Bridge – and it looks like he has gotten his wish.

Meanwhile, Chelsea are considering making a move for Crystal Palace winger Michael Olise, football.london understands. The Blues are on the lookout for a right winger, who can also operate as a No.10, which has seen them express interest in the likes of Rayan Cherki from Lyon and Mohammed Kudus from Ajax already this summer.

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