ROMEO LAVIA has snubbed a move to Liverpool in favour of joining Chelsea.
The two clubs – who drew 1-1 at Stamford Bridge on Sunday – were locked in talks to sign Moises Caicedo.
GettyRomeo Lavia has snubbed a move to Liverpool in favour of joining Chelsea[/caption]
And despite Liverpool agreeing a deal with Brighton, Chelsea swooped in with a Premier League record £115million offer.
Caicedo chose Stamford Bridge over Anfield and after completing a medical, his move will be imminently announced.
But in the midst of the transfer pursuit, Chelsea and Liverpool were also battling to sign Southampton’s Lavia.
And Jurgen Klopp’s side had come to terms over a £60m move.
Although lightening looks to have struck twice as Chelsea convinced the player to join them instead.
According to The Athletic, Chelsea are closing in on a £50m deal plus add-ons.
The Blues tried to sign last summer and had a £50m offer on deadline day rejected as the player only signed weeks earlier.
Chelsea desperately need new recruits following the exits of Ruben Loftus-Cheek, Mateo Kovacic, Mason Mount and N’Golo Kante this summer.
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And a double swoop for Caicedo and Lavia – totalling around £165m combined – gives Enzo Fernandez new midfield partners.
But it leaves Liverpool short in midfield having lost Fabinho, Jordan Henderson and Naby Keita in the summer.
Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp had confirmed that a deal had been agreed to bring Caicedo to Merseyside.
But he has been left empty handed following Chelsea’s pair of transfer heists.
AlamyMoises Caicedo has agreed a move to Chelsea[/caption]