CHELSEA are in talks to sign Southampton star Romeo Lavia, according to reports.
The midfielder enjoyed a breakout season at St Mary's despite the club's relegation to the Championship.
Lavia joined the Saints from Manchester City last summer and cemented himself in the first team.
Thanks to his impressive performances, he has since been linked with an immediate return to the Premier League.
And Chelsea are among those that have been impressed and the Blues have opened talks with his club over a summer mover, according to Football London.
The report claims that a deal for the Belgian midfielder will not be cheap as the Saints are hoping to make £50million in a sale.
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It would be an incredible profit for the club that only spent £10m on Lavia last season.
Man City are thought to have a buyback option, but that is not active until 2024.
This means that Chelsea can steal a march on their rivals by snatching him up a year early and giving new manager Mauricio Pochettino his first signing.
Lavia was very highly-regarded by Pep Guardiola and staff at the Etihad.
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Lavia featured 29 times in the Premier League last season – scoring one goal – and also helped the club to the Carabao Cup semi-finals.
The report also adds that should Lavia move to Stamford Bridge, a swoop for Brighton star Moises Caicedo would not be ruled out.
The teenager is considered one of five high-profile players to leave St Mary's this summer following the drop.
Stars such as James Ward-Prowse, Carlos Alcaraz, Armel Bella-Kotchap and Tino Livramento are likely to be poached by top-flight clubs.
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