As a result of Liverpool’s interest, Chelsea are getting closer to signing Romeo Lavia.

Jason Wilcox, the director of football at Southampton, acknowledged that Chelsea are currently in the lead despite Liverpool having accepted a bid for Romeo Lavia.

Three offers, totaling £45 million, were previously turned down by the Reds for the 19-year-old midfielder. Jordan Henderson and Fabinho, who left for the Saudi Arabian clubs Al-Ittihad and Al-Ettihad, respectively, leaving a void for Jurgen Klopp’s team to fill.

Liverpool attempted to acquire Moises Caicedo from Brighton for £110 million, but Chelsea beat Liverpool to the deal by making a $5 million higher offer. Despite the Reds eventually paying Southampton’s asking price, the Stamford Bridge club is now close to signing Lavia.

“I think you know, it’s well known that we’ve had some significant interest in Romeo, we’ve had an offer that we accepted from Liverpool,” Wilcox said at the BBC Radio Solent Fans’ Forum.

“Chelsea then arrived at the table. As a result, Romeo is having a really difficult time right now because we’re currently negotiating with Chelsea. But I’m optimistic that something will be accomplished in the coming week or few days.

“The reality is that we’re in the Championship and we need to reinvest, and by purchasing Shea Charles, we’ve got another one who hopefully we can do the same with.

“And I think, you know, when we look at what Romeo’s achieved here, I think every one of us here wouldn’t want to lose him,” he continued.

“So Romeo should have luck, it isn’t finished yet. But we anticipate that it will be finished within a few days.”