Journalist reveals the 'key moment' Romeo Lavia decided to join Chelsea instead of Liverpool

Journalist Sacha Tavolieri has revealed the 'key reason' why Romeo Lavia is keen to join Chelsea ahead of Liverpool this summer.

Lavia, 19 has been at the centre of a long-winded transfer saga, with Liverpool and Chelsea keen on signing the Southampton midfielder.

Liverpool reportedly had a £60 million offer accepted by the Saints on Monday, however, transfer expert Fabrizio Romano rubbished claims that the Reds had agreed a deal with Saints.

"Let me clarify one thing," he said on his YouTube channel. "It's not true Liverpool closed the deal with Southampton on Monday.

"Liverpool had an interest, Liverpool made many bids before Monday to Southampton, but that was not a done deal between Liverpool and Southampton on Monday."

Instead, Lavia is thought to prefer a move to Stamford Bridge. "Liverpool had an interest but, at the end, they knew the player wanted to go to Chelsea," Romano added.

"Liverpool will go on to different targets, Romeo Lavia is going to become the next Chelsea player this summer."

Meanwhile, Belgian journalist Tavolieri has shed some light on why Lavia prefers a move to the Blues, revealing that the 'key moment' came on Friday.

"It’s Chelsea who’s set to win the race for Romeo Lavia," he tweeted on Monday. "The Belgian already seeking an apartment in London with his entourage.

"Chelsea offered longest contract and biggest wages. Key moment was on last Friday, while the Belgian midfielder arrived in London."

Lavia's decision marks the second blow for Jurgen Klopp in a matter of days after Moises Caicedo also turned down a move to Liverpool in favour of a move to Chelsea.

The 21-year-old agreed a £115 million transfer from Brighton on Monday, despite having a medical scheduled at Anfield last week.

In turn, Liverpool could now turn their attention towards PSV star Ibrahim Sangare, with former Manchester City midfielder Kiki Musampa - the brother of Sangare's agent - telling ESPN NL that the Reds were interested in signing him, along with Bayern Munich and Paris Saint-Germain.