"Chelsea counter is coming" - Todd Boehly preparing "higher offer" than Liverpool for Romeo Lavia as hijack attempt laid bare

Chelsea are preparing to bid 'higher' than Liverpool for Romeo Lavia, a journalist has claimed.

As per the Athletic, Liverpool are expected to make an improved offer for Southampton midfielder Lavia, having seen an opening bid worth around £37million for the Belgium international rejected on Tuesday.

The Saints, who were relegated to the Championship in May, are allegedly holding out for an overall package in the region of £50million for the teenager.

However, negotiations are ongoing and there is reportedly an increasing likelihood of a deal being agreed, with add-ons taking Liverpool to a figure that Southampton deem acceptable.

While personal terms will not be an issue, Chelsea retain a firm interest in Lavia and are reportedly readying a bid of their own.

Chelsea to bid for Lavia

According to reputable journalist Ben Jacobs, Chelsea are preparing to bid higher than Liverpool for the services of Lavia.

Jacobs tweeted: "The Chelsea counter is coming. Chelsea ready to move for Lavia and even prepared to table a higher offer than Liverpool, having bid £50m for him a year ago.

"But Lavia is still sold on Liverpool. A move to Anfield remains more likely at this stage."

The 19-year-old played 45 minutes for Southampton in their 3-2 defeat to Bournemouth at St Mary’s on Tuesday night.

Asked about the midfielder's future, Saints boss Russell Martin said: “I thought Romeo, considering what’s going on, to play tonight and do all that stuff, it was good for him to get on the pitch as he has not had the minutes other people have had.

“You can ask for an update but I can’t give you one because I don’t know. I’m going to speak to (sporting director) Jason (Wilcox) now but I’ve been preparing for this game.”

Jacobs' claim of Chelsea's interest comes hours after Brighton rejected a second, increased offer from the Blues for midfielder Moises Caicedo worth £80million.

Last week the Seagulls rebuffed a £70million offer from Chelsea for a player they value in the region of £100million.