CHELSEA have launched a shock £48million bid to beat Liverpool to Romeo Lavia.
Southampton want £50m for the Belgium midfielder, 19, after reportedly rejecting "multiple" offers from Jurgen Klopp's Reds.
But The Athletic's David Ornstein revealed the Blues are pressing hard for Lavia.
The relegated Saints realise keeping him is a losing battle.
And Lavia's departure would be a double blow as West Ham close on Southampton's England midfielder James Ward-Prowse.
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Ornstein claimed Chelsea's bid is "£48m including add-ons" and stated: "Dialogue continues".
Manchester United have also been linked with the powerful teenager.
But in the past two weeks Liverpool emerged as favourites to sign the ex-Manchester City kid.
Now, though, Pochettino is making a late spurt for Lavia AND at least one other Prem midfielder.
It's claimed Chelsea are edging nearer to landing Moises Caicedo.
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But Brighton are demanding about £90m for the 32-cap Ecuadorian, 21.
For any Blues' fans bemused by the continuing transfer merry-go-round at Stamford Bridge there was at least one piece of stabilising news.
Academy product Reece James, 23, has been named as new skipper, ahead of Thiago Silva.
Celtic icon Frank McGarvey dies aged 66 as tributes paid to hero after cancer fight
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