Lavia PASSES Chelsea medical and could be available to play against West Ham

Romeo Lavia is edging closer to sealing his £58million move from Southampton to Chelsea after completing his medical.

Lavia returned to England on Wednesday after being granted some extra time back in his homeland Belgium while the two clubs thrashed out the deal which was agreed on Tuesday night.

His medical checks have now been passed and just the finishing touches to the switch remain before midfielder Lavia is able to sign a long-term contract which, it is hoped, will happen today.

If Lavia's deal is completed and he is registered by midday tomorrow he will be eligible to be part of Chelsea's squad for Sunday's trip to West Ham.

Chelsea travel to the London Stadium to take on their rivals and Lavia, 19, could feature, as well as fellow new signing Moises Caicedo.

The Ecuadorian completed a British record £155m transfer earlier this week after snubbing a move to Liverpool and could be in line to feature in Mauricio Pochettino's starting line-up for the match.

It was one of two big transfer blows for Jurgen Klopp's side, with Lavia now following in his suit also overlooking a move to Anfield, and opting instead to join the London club.

Mail Sport understands that the Reds were reluctant to pay £50m for the Belgium international because he has only played one full season in the Premier League.

The midfielder, who was a pivotal part of Southampton's midfield last season, started in 26 of the 29 games he appeared in, garnering him the attention of many suitors around the league.

But it has left Liverpool desperate for a new holding midfielder following the departures of Jordan Henderson and Fabinho to Saudi Arabia earlier this summer.

Chelsea, meanwhile, are also eyeing up a move for Crystal Palace winger Michael Olise.