Reports: Chelsea ‘made £50m deadline day bid’ for Saints starlet signed from City this summer

Southampton reportedly turned down a £50m verbal proposal from Chelsea for midfielder Romeo Lavia on transfer deadline day.

The 18-year-old only joined Ralph Hasenhuttl’s side from Manchester City for an £11m fee in January and has already cemented his place in the middle of the park.

Lavia played the full 90 in each of his side’s opening four fixtures before scoring his first Southampton goal in style during the Saints’ midweek 2-1 win over Chelsea at St Mary’s.

The Belgium Under-21 international was taken off on the hour mark of that game with a hamstring injury, though, and he is set to miss up to six weeks with the issue.

In spite of his unfortunate injury, journalist Fabrizio Romano claims that Chelsea tried to swoop for Lavia on Thursday following his contribution in their midweek fixture.

Romano claims that the Blues came forward with a £50m proposal for the youngster, but Southampton deem him ‘untouchable’ and quickly rebuffed Chelsea’s advances.

Furthermore, Man City inserted a buyback clause into Lavia’s contract when he left for Southampton in July, which could see the Premier League champions re-sign the midfielder for £40m in the future.

Behind the scenes. Chelsea wanted to sign Romeo Lavia on Deadline Day with £50m verbal proposal rejected by Southampton — of course, he’s untouchable. 🚨🔵 #CFC

Southampton invested £12m plus add-ons for Lavia — and Man City have £40m buy back clause. pic.twitter.com/6oo1Rre2mt

— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) September 3, 2022

The Belgian midfielder was rated highly internally at Manchester City, but the club felt with Rodri and Kalvin Phillips there it was better for his development to leave the club.

Selling Lavia so soon after signing the midfielder would have made little sense, especially on deadline day with a lack of time to replace him.

Southampton may have not expected him to have the immediate impact that he did, and if his performances continue for the rest of the season, we could see more clubs coming in with hefty offers for the 18-year-old.