Romeo Lavia has made opinion on Liverpool transfer clear with Chelsea 'pushing' to hijack deal

Southampton midfielder Romeo Lavia has already made his opinion on his future clear as Liverpool and Chelsea both attempt to sign him.

It is the second transfer saga involving both clubs in a matter of days, following the battle to sign Moises Caicedo from Brighton.

Liverpool had a British record £111 million fee accepted for the Ecuador midfielder, but reports claimed that Caicedo told Brighton he only wanted to sign for Chelsea.

The Blues then raced to complete a deal, eventually agreeing another British record fee of £115 million with Brighton. The deal is yet to be confirmed, but barring any late issues, Chelsea will win the Caicedo race.

Then, to Lavia. As per Sky Sports, Liverpool have agreed a £60 million fee with Southampton for the 19-year-old, having previously seen three bids rejected for not meeting the selling club's £50 million valuation.

But the Caicedo saga - and Liverpool's committed spending - has no doubt allowed the Championship side freedom to have a rethink over their asking price.

Chelsea, however, are also interested in Lavia, and it is reported that they were close to an agreement with the Saints last week.

As a result, Liverpool and Chelsea could once again do battle for a top midfielder - and the player himself has already made his stance clear on his future.

Romeo Lavia has given opinion on future

According to CBS Sports reporter Ben Jacobs, Lavia is 'open' to joining Liverpool after the club's long pursuit of his signature this summer.

As a result, it is different to the Caicedo saga, with the Southampton midfielder not directly ruling out a move to Anfield. Jacobs adds that, from a Southampton perspective, it will be down to the player to decide which club to join.

He tweeted: "Not quite the same as with Moises Caicedo, who was set on Chelsea.

"Lavia has spent much of the summer telling Liverpool he is keen on joining prior to Chelsea formally entering the race. And Liverpool have moved quickly and with a higher offer than Chelsea's last bid."

Not quite the same as with Moises Caicedo, who was set on Chelsea. Lavia has spent much of the summer telling Liverpool he is keen on joining prior to Chelsea formally entering the race. And #LFC have moved quickly and with a higher offer than Chelsea's last bid.

— Ben Jacobs (@JacobsBen) August 14, 2023

Lavia was not included in the Saints squad for their 4-4 draw with Norwich in the Championship on Sunday.

Speaking after the match, manager Russell Martin said (quotes via Southern Daily Echo): "He has been great while his situation has rumbled on for a long time. That needs to draw to a conclusion quickly for him, for us and for everyone really.

"It's eeking slowly towards a conclusion and I think we have been preparing for life without him for the six weeks we've been here."