According to talkSPORT, Liverpool have moved ahead of Chelsea in the race to sign Southampton midfielder Romeo Lavia.

Liverpool are reportedly preparing an opening offer for Lavia who is valued at around £50million by Southampton.

Chelsea’s co-director of recruitment Joe Shields has recommended Lavia to new manager Mauricio Pochettino.

But the Blues are thought to be exploring alternative targets for now.

Lavia looks set to depart St Mary’s this summer following Southampton’s’ relegation from the Premier League.

Lavia made 35 appearances last season for Southampton, 29 of them in the Premier League. He made his debut for Belgium in a friendly against Germany in March.