Chelsea have reportedly reignited their interest in Southampton midfielder Romeo Lavia.
Despite the financial issues facing the Blues this summer, Todd Boehly and Clearlake Capital will continue to try to make signings of their own.
At least two are expected to occur in midfield, a consequence of several senior players in that position heading through the Stamford Bridge exit door.
Chelsea were recently left frustrated in their pursuit of Sporting Lisbon's Manuel Ugarte, who will now move to Paris Saint-Germain after undergoing a medical at Parc des Princes.
The West Londoners are not expected to rest on their laurels, however, as they anticipate that they will not be the only club attempting to sign their respective targets.
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According to football.london, Chelsea have moved to open negotiations with Southampton over a deal for Lavia.
Chelsea initially attempted to sign the youngster in August having been left impressed by his performance during the Saints' 2-1 triumph at St Mary's.
However, Southampton had only just signed Lavia from Manchester City, who possess a buy-back clause that would be able to be activated should he remain on the South Coast until 2024.
While City are likely to be interested in such a deal, their hopes of Lavia still being at Southampton have been hit by their relegation from the Premier League.
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As well as the club's hierarchy naturally having to make cutbacks ahead of their return to the Championship, there may an acknowledgement that they can maximise the fee that they recoup for the Belgian this summer.
Although Lavia's game time was partially restricted in 2022-23 due to injury, the 19-year-old still went on to make 26 starts and three substitute outings in the Premier League.
If Chelsea are to be successful with a bid, they will likely have to part with a fee in the region of £45m, unless Southampton show an interest in any of their youngsters or fringe players.
Southampton have not necessarily enjoyed a productive relationship with Chelsea of late, losing recruitment chief Joe Shields and academy trio Eddie Beach, Tyler Dibling and Jimmy-Jay Morgan over the past 12 months.
Darren Plant
