Chelsea and Liverpool are 'chasing Southampton's £40m midfielder Romeo Lavia'

Southampton's Romeo Lavia is 'being targeted by both Chelsea and Liverpool', although his former side Manchester City are 'not looking to re-sign him'.

The 19-year-old left the Etihad for £12.5 million last summer and has been a key player for the Saints, making 33 appearances across all competitions.

He also made his international debut earlier this year in something of a breakthrough campaign, although his performances have not been enough to keep Southampton in the Premier League.

Despite picking up some impressive results, they were the first side relegated this season and remain bottom by eight points with one game left to play.

Lavia seems unlikely to stay with the South Coast as they head into the Championship, and could find himself back at one of the biggest club's in England.

According to reports in the Times, Southampton see the defensive midfielder as 'their most valuable asset', and feel they could demand more than '£40m' for him.

They also claim Chelsea and Liverpool are keen on bringing in Lavia as both clubs look to re-build their midfields, while Man City are not believed to be in the running.

A clause in the Saints man's contract means he can be brought back to the Etihad if City match any bid made for him, but Pep Guardiola's side are thought to be pursuing other options.

Liverpool have come under fire for their lack of depth and energy in midfield at times this season, and could do with an exciting back-up option to support the likes of Jordan Henderson and Fabinho.

The Reds have narrowly missed out on Champions League qualification for 2023/4 despite winning seven of their last eight games.

Chelsea's director of recruitment Joe Shields, who signed Lavia to Southampton in his previous job, is keen on the midfielder but has struggled to convince everyone at the club.

The Blues sent scouts to watch him in Brighton's 3-1 win over the Saints on Sunday, but it remains to be seen if their incoming manager, believed to be Mauricio Pochettino, will approve of the youngster.

Whoever they bring in this summer, Chelsea fans will be hoping for a much improved performance from their side next year.

Thursday's 4-1 loss to Manchester United left Frank Lampard's side 12th in the league with one game remaining. Only three teams have scored less Premier League goals than them this season.

The Blues will finish their campaign on Sunday against a Newcastle side who have already confirmed their Champions League qualification for next season.