In Focus: Chelsea will Lav Romeo as part of formidable midfield

Romeo Lavia is set to be the latest young talent snapped up by Chelsea. 

The Belgian has been involved in a transfer saga which saw the Blues battle with Liverpool for his signature.

But it is the West Londoners who are in pole position to sign Lavia soon after the arrival of Moises Caicedo, which creates the enticing prospect of the pair forming a trio alongside Enzo Fernandez. 

Ahead of Chelsea's derby match against West Ham on Sunday, we look at how Lavia's move has played out and what he will bring to Mauricio Pochettino's team. 

Chelsea victory

If Liverpool had handled things differently, Lavia could be heading to Anfield rather than Stamford Bridge. 

Jurgen Klopp's side pursued the 19-year-old all summer but failed to meet Southampton's asking price, despite making three bids. 

Eventually they switched targets to Caicedo, only for the Ecuadorian to turn them down and move to Chelsea for a British record fee of £115million.

And now Lavia has done likewise, with the Blues reportedly striking a £58m deal with the Saints.

Liverpool had a fourth bid accepted but the youngster rejected the transfer, apparently over concerns of being down the pecking order on Merseyside.

Role model

Lavia already had proof that Chelsea were serious about signing him, with the Blues bidding £50m for him at the start of last season — shortly after his move to Southampton from Manchester City.

In addition, the West London club's co-director of recruitment and talent, Joe Shields, knows Lavia well. 

Not only was the scout poached from the Saints but he also previously worked at City as the head of academy recruitment. 

Lavia served his apprenticeship with the Citizens under the overall leadership of former defensive midfielder Pep Guardiola, while also having the perfect on-field role model in Fernandinho.

The one-cap international previously spoke about the role that the Brazilian has had in his development. 

He said: "Obviously as a young player, you don't really pay attention to the little details that make the difference at the highest level. 

"Training with Fernandinho, it helped me a lot to understand more the role of a defensive midfielder and central midfielder." 

Double pivot

On the surface, Lavia's pathway to the first team seemed clearer at Liverpool, with him and Caicedo potentially fighting it out for the same position at Chelsea.

Yet while there will surely be occasions when one is preferred to the other, it is also clear they could combine and create a formidable double-pivot. 

Both midfielders have far more to their game than being mere enforcers and their defensive capabilities would free Fernandez to play further forward, as he did against Liverpool last Sunday to great effect. 

Lavia has all the qualities that you would expect of a modern anchorman, with his tackling skills and positional sense allowing him to snuff out danger.

The 5ft 11in starlet is also very press-resistant, possessing the ability to progress the ball with his dribbling and passing range.

In Lavia and Caicedo, Pochettino would have defensive cover — and two players who are versatile enough to play together in a creative midfield.