Liverpool and Chelsea monitoring Belgian midfielder playing in England

Romeo Lavia of relegated Southampton is monitored by Liverpool and Chelsea

As per the Times (subscription required), Liverpool and Chelsea are closely monitoring Southampton midfielder Romeo Lavia ahead of the summer transfer window.

Southampton, who are now relegated from the Premier League, signed the Belgian midfielder from Manchester City for a deal worth around £14m last summer. City included a clause that entitled them to match any bid for the youngster.

But, this report

states that the Premier League champions are not interested in the player. Southampton may demand a transfer fee of more than £40m to sell the Belgian international. They are under no pressure to let go of their star players even though they will play in the Championship next season.

Chelsea wanted to sign Lavia weeks after he joined Southampton during the previous summer window. That offer was immediately rejected.

Liverpool, on the other hand, must sign multiple midfielders in the coming window to bolster that department ahead of the start of next season.

Although they are close to signing Alexis Mac Allister from Brighton and Hove Albion, getting a defensive-minded midfielder would provide adequate help to Fabinho, who has struggled for some time now.

Lavia can play as a lone six or in a double-pivot. Even in a struggling Southampton side, the 19-year-old showed his class on and off the ball. As an example, his performance in the away game against Arsenal was excellent due to clever work on the ball under pressure and making key defensive interceptions.

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The Belgian has the quality and time on his side to become an elite midfielder in years to come. Liverpool must do everything they can to make sure the youngster arrives at Anfield in the summer window. He would add a much-needed backup in the screening position of the midfield.