Chelsea are interested in securing the services of Southampton youngster Romeo Lavia if they miss out on Enzo Fernandez, talkSPORT understands.
Lavia only joined the Saints in the summer for £12million plus add-ons from Manchester City, but it is believed Chelsea may have to fork out over £50m to land him in January.
The 19-year-old has made nine appearances for the Nathan Jones’ side so far this season and continues to impress.
Lavia shone and scored in Southampton’s 2-1 victory over Chelsea back in August last year.
Chelsea made a £50m offer for the Brussels-born talented teenager on transfer deadline day in the summer, which was instantly rebuffed by the Saints.
The Blues then decided to pursue a deal for Denis Zakaria, with the Switzerland international eventually joining the club on loan for the season.
It is believed Lavia’s former club Man City do have a buyback option on the player should he impress further.
Pep Guardiola’s side can re-sign the player for £40m, but it remains unclear at this stage as to whether there is serious interest from the defending Premier League champions.
talkSPORT understands Lavia could be seen as an alternative to Benfica’s World Cup ace Fernandez.
The 21-year-old has emerged as one of the hottest properties after being named the Best Young Player of the 2022 World Cup with Argentina.
Fernandez is under contract with Benfica until the end of the 2026-27 season, and Chelsea have supposedly been told to pay the entirety of his £112m release clause to sign him, having seen a second bid of players included turned down.
The Blues have shown a willingness to fork out the desired sum, but their desire to pay the fee in instalments to comply with Financial Fair Play rules has not sat well with the Eagles.
Fernandez is now expected to remain in the Portuguese capital for the time being, suggesting Lavia could be the man Chelsea turn to.
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