Chelsea watch Southampton star Romeo Lavia AGAIN – but Blues’ director of recruitment faces a battle
Chelsea eyes Southampton teen star Romeo Lavia AGAIN – but recruiting director Joe Shields faces a battle to convince questionable Blues staff to pursue the Belgian 19-year-old
- Chelsea have their eye on Southampton teenager Romeo Lavia again
- The Blues’ recruiting director is an admirer, but other staff are skeptical
- TRANSFER CONFIDENTIAL: Read all the latest moves on the transfer market
Chelsea have eyed Romeo Lavia again, but some staff have reservations about the teenage Southampton midfielder.
19-year-old Lavia was part of the Saints team struggling in the Premier League, with their relegation to the Championship confirmed last week.
But Chelsea’s director of recruitment Joe Shields – who signed Lavia in his previous job to Southampton – admires the Belgian international midfielder, who came through Manchester City’s youth academy.
Chelsea looked at Lavia again last week and he is one of several possible options for coming to Stamford Bridge this summer – if the doubters at Stamford Bridge can be swayed.
The Blues are also interested in Manuel Ugarte, who will cost Ā£53 million from Sporting Lisbon, while Aston Villa are also in contention to sign the Uruguayan defensive midfielder.
Chelsea have revisited Southampton’s Romeo Lavia amid interest from The Blues
Some Chelsea staff have reservations about Lavia, who was part of Southampton’s relegation
Chelsea and Aston Villa are reportedly interested in Sporting Lisbon’s Manuel Ugarte (right)
Chelsea will also discuss Romelu Lukaku’s future next month, once Inter Milan finish their season with the Champions League final.
There is still demand for a striker at Stamford Bridge next season, and Lukaku’s Inter team-mate Lautaro Martinez is on a four-man Serie A shortlist.
Napoli’s Victor Omishen, Atalanta’s Rasmus Hojlund and Juventus’s Dusan Vlahovic are also possible options as Chelsea try to rebuild after a poor season at home.