Chelsea and Liverpool are chasing Southampton’s £40m midfielder Romeo Lavia

Southampton’s Romeo Lavia will be ‘targeted by both Chelsea and Liverpool’, although his former side Manchester City have ‘no intention of signing him again’.

The 19-year-old left the Etihad for £12.5 million last summer and has been a key player for the Saints, making 33 appearances in all competitions.

He also made his international debut earlier this year in something of a breakthrough campaign, although his performances were not enough to keep Southampton in the Premier League.

Despite achieving some impressive results, they were the first side to be relegated this season and are eight points behind with one game left.

It seems unlikely that Lavia will stay with the South Coast as they progress to the Championship, and could find himself at one of the biggest clubs in England.

He made 33 appearances for the Saints in all competitions and impressed despite their relegation

According to posts in the times, Southampton see the defensive midfielder as ‘their most valuable asset’ and feel they could demand more than ‘£40 million’ for him.

They also claim that Chelsea and Liverpool are eager to bring in Lavia as both clubs look to rebuild their midfields, with Man City presumably out of the running.

A clause in the Saints man’s contract means he could be returned to the Etihad if City match a bid for him, but Pep Guardiola’s side are believed to be pursuing other options.

Liverpool have come under fire at times this season for their lack of depth and energy in midfield, and could use an exciting back-up option to support the likes of Jordan Henderson and Fabinho.

The Reds have narrowly missed out on Champions League qualification for 2023/4, despite winning seven of their last eight games.

Chelsea’s director of recruitment Joe Shields, who signed Lavia in his previous job at Southampton, is enthusiastic about the midfielder but has struggled to convince everyone at the club.

Chelsea are interested in bringing in the Belgium international after a torrid season

Jürgen Klopp’s Liverpool also see Lavia as an option as they look to revamp their midfield

The Blues sent scouts to watch him in Brighton’s 3-1 win over the Saints on Sunday, but it remains to be seen whether their new manager, presumably Mauricio Pochettino, will approve of the youngster.

Whoever they bring in this summer, Chelsea fans will be hoping for a much better performance from their side next year.

Thursday’s 4-1 defeat to Manchester United left Frank Lampard’s side 12th in the league with one game remaining. Only three teams have scored fewer Premier League goals than them this season.

The Blues end their campaign on Sunday against a Newcastle side who have already confirmed their Champions League qualification for next season.