Romeo Lavia completes Chelsea medical as Blues ready to announce Liverpool transfer hijack

Romeo Lavia has completed his medical with Chelsea ahead of a proposed transfer from Southampton this summer.

It comes as the Blues edge closer to announcing the signing of the midfielder, following a saga that has taken many twists and turns in recent weeks. Lavia was a player that impressed in a breakout season for the Saints last year, joining them from Manchester City in the summer.

Often starting at the base of the midfield, the Belgian international looked calm and composed on the ball, receiving it from the backline and progressing it, while also holding his own when off the ball. That naturally led to plenty of interest from clubs over a deal this summer, following on from Southampton's relegation.

Manchester City had a buy-back clause, but that only became valid as of next summer, meaning they would have to enter a bidding war to bring him back to the club. They would find competition from the likes of Arsenal, Liverpool and Chelsea if they did end up entering that race.

With City out of the equation and the two London sides focusing their attention elsewhere, it seemed as though a switch to Anfield was most likely. Several bids below the asking price were rejected as the Reds looked to bag a bargain, until they joined the race for Moises Caicedo.

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While that was a battle the Blues were in, they took the opportunity to move for Lavia at the same time to try and land both midfielders. That seemingly swung things in their favour as football.london understands Chelsea have agreed a deal with Southampton for an initial £53million with £5million on top in add-ons.

It seems that has seen Liverpool hijacked in the race for