Chelsea scouts were in attendance at Southampton's 4-3 defeat to Nottingham Forest on Monday night, according to London's First.
They claim the Blues were once again casting a keen eye on defensive midfielder Romeo Lavia, who is said to be on a shortlist of targets in that position ahead of the summer. It is also reported that Saints' trip to Forest is the final time Chelsea scouts will watch Lavia before sending off a detailed report to the club's recruitment team ahead of the summer transfer window.
With Southampton on the brink of relegation to the Championship, Lavia is almost certain to leave St. Mary's in the upcoming window despite only joining from Manchester City 12 months ago. It is well documented that City have a £40 million buyback option on the teenager, but with Rodri and Kalvin Phillips already on their books, it could allow Chelsea to steal a march.
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Lavia is a player Chelsea have admired throughout Todd Boehly's reign as owner, even making a move for him last summer despite the fact he had only joined Southampton a matter of weeks earlier. The Belgium international is not the only holding midfielder Chelsea are keeping an eye on ahead of the summer, though, with Khéphren Thuram, Sandro Tonali and João Palhinha all reportedly having been watched in recent months.
Moises Caicedo and Manu Kone are also players of interest to the Blues, as incoming manager Mauricio Pochettino looks to strengthen his spine. Enzo Fernandez has featured heavily in that role since his world record January move, but as shown in the World Cup, he flourishes further up the field.
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