"FSG failing Klopp yet again", "Such a banter club" - Liverpool fans fume on social media as Chelsea make bid to sign their top transfer target

Journalist David Ornstein has reported that Chelsea have lodged a £48 million bid for Southampton midfielder and Liverpool target Romeo Lavia.

The Reds have failed with three bids for the Belgian player. Their first bid worth £37 million was just as promptly rejected by the Saints as was their second worth £41 million. Liverpool's third bid worth £45m was also turned down by Southampton, who reportedly continue to hold on to the £50 million valuation for the player.

Chelsea's reported bid, worth £48 million, is now the closest any suitor has come to matching the Saints' valuation. It remains to be seen how Southampton react to the same.

Amidst reports of the Blues potentially snatching away a Liverpool target, Reds' fans have taken to social media to express their frustration at the club's transfer strategy.

Lavia, who was signed by Southampton last season from Manchester City for £12 million, played 29 league games for the Saints, registering one goal.

Why Chelsea and Liverpool both need central defensive midfielders

Chelsea have had a mass exodus this summer, seeing off more than ten players already. They have sold Jorginho (January), Mateo Kovacic, Ruben Loftus-Cheek, Mason Mount and parted ways with N'Golo Kante and are now short of central midfielders.

The club only has Enzo Fernandez as a senior defensive midfielder, with Conor Gallagher doing a makeshift job at the moment next to him in a double pivot. That makes it urgent for the Blues to sign a new central defensive midfielder ahead of the new season.

Liverpool, too, have seen a large clearout, particularly in midfield. They sold Jordan Henderson and Fabinho while parting ways with James Milner, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Naby Keita.

Taht has left the Reds short of options in central defensive midfield, with one of Curtis Jones or new signing Alexis Mac Allister (makeshift defensive midfielder) currently filling the slot.

The two teams are set to face each other on Sunday in the Premier League opener. It remains to be seen which shirt Lavia puts on, if any at all, come the weekend.

About the author

Diptanil is a European football journalist and sports editor at Sportskeeda. He completed his Master’s in Sports Management from Coventry University and has a total work experience of 7 years. A true expert of the beautiful game, Diptanil also studies the sport from the data analytics perspective.

Diptanil focuses on in-depth research, objective writing, and cultural sensitivity when creating content, and always strives to give his readers something new to take away from each of his articles. His ability to streamline information and let it reach a natural conclusion as opposed to telling a story with a pre-fixed narrative sets him apart from other journalists.

He became a fan of Jose Mourinho’s Chelsea after their record-breaking 2004-05 season and their 2008-09 Champions League semifinal defeat was a bittersweet learning experience for him. Diptanil’s favorite player is Frank Lampard who is known for his hard work and dedication as a football professional. He loves how his favorite manager Carlo Ancelotti strikes a fine balance in keeping the game both player-oriented and data-driven.

Outside of Europe's top five leagues, Diptanil follows Liga Portugal, the Indian Super League, and Saudi Pro League. His other interests include doing charity work, watching period dramas, and world politics.

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