Fabrizio Romano reveals what he knows about Romeo Lavia and Liverpool

Fabrizio Romano has revealed what he knows about Romeo Lavia and Liverpool amid reports that the midfielder has chosen to join Chelsea instead.

The Southampton midfielder has been pursued by both clubs throughout the transfer window, with Liverpool reportedly having a £60 million offer accepted by the Saints on Monday.

But they had previously seen three bids rejected for not meeting the Championship side's valuation, and then switched their attentions to Brighton's Moises Caicedo.

Liverpool agreed a British record £111 million fee for Caicedo, but the Ecuador international opted against moving to Anfield and wanted to join Chelsea instead.

The Blues managed to scramble a deal together, with Caicedo officially confirmed as a new Chelsea player on Monday evening.

And they appear to be set to lose out on Lavia as well, with The Athletic's David Ornstein claiming the Belgian prefers a move to Stamford Bridge. Personal terms have been agreed, but no agreement has been reached between Chelsea and Southampton as of yet.

Now, Romano has given an update on the state of play between Lavia and Liverpool.

Romano reveals what he knows about Romeo Lavia and Liverpool

Speaking on his YouTube channel, Romano confirmed that, despite reports, Liverpool had not actually completed a deal with Southampton at any point on Monday.

He adds that the Reds knew Lavia wanted a move to Chelsea, and will look elsewhere for a new midfielder.

He explained: "Let me clarify one thing. 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.

"Liverpool had an interest but, at the end, they knew the player wanted to go to Chelsea. Liverpool will go on to different targets, Romeo Lavia is going to become the next Chelsea player this summer."

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.

Topics: Fabrizio Romano, Romeo Lavia, Liverpool, Chelsea, Premier League, Transfers

Ryan Smart

Live in constant hope of the top flight as a Preston North End fan. Written in the past for SPORF, GiveMeSport and more.