Chelsea watch Southampton teen star Romeo Lavia AGAIN – but director of recruitment Joe Shields faces a battle to convince doubtful Blues staff to pursue the Belgian
- Chelsea have been watching Southampton teenager Romeo Lavia again
- The Blues’ director of recruitment is an admirer, but other staff are unsure
- It is one of several options for incoming talent at Stamford Bridge this summer
Chelsea have been watching Romeo Lavia again, but some staff have their reservations about Southampton‘s teen midfielder.
Lavia, 19, has been part of the Saints team that has really struggled in the Premier League, with their relegation to the Championship confirmed last week.
But Chelsea’s director of recruitment Joe Shields – who signed Lavia to Southampton in his previous job – admires the Belgian international midfielder, who came through the youth ranks at Manchester City.
Chelsea watched Lavia again last week, and he is one of several potential options to be coming into Stamford Bridge this summer – if the doubters at Stamford Bridge can be swayed.
The Blues are also interested in Manuel Ugarte, who will cost £53m from Sporting Lisbon, with Aston Villa also competing to sign the Uruguayan defensive midfielder.
Chelsea have watched Southampton’s Romeo Lavia again 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 among a four-man shortlist drawn from Serie A.
Napoli’s Victor Omishen, Atalanta’s Rasmus Hojlund and Juventus’s Dusan Vlahovic are also potential options as Chelsea look to rebuild after a poor domestic season.
