SAINTS head of recruitment Joe Shields is being lined up to join Premier League rivals Chelsea, the Daily Echo understands.

First reported by transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, the Daily Echo understands the switch is at a very early stage and there is a long way to go before a move is completed.

The former Manchester City head of youth recruitment joined Saints this summer and has been instrumental in implementing the club’s transfer plan.

He is already credited with the transfer of young star Romeo Lavia, 18, who is a certain starter for manager Ralph Hasenhuttl when fit. 

The Belgian starlet was incredibly the subject of a £50million proposal from Chelsea on deadline day just under two months ago, but it was rejected by Saints. 

Chelsea have been taken over by a US-based consortium spearheaded by billionaire Todd Boehly, who also American sports teams.

The Blues are reportedly lining RB Leipzig’s Christopher Vivell as technical director, while Shields would assume the role of director of recruitment.

Shields replaced former head of recruitment Martyn Glover at Saints in July, given his first senior role in the Premier League.

The Athletic report that Shields would serve a six month notice period enforced by Saints, should he decide to leave the club and join Chelsea.

A message from the Editor

Thank you for reading this article - we appreciate your support in reading the Daily Echo.

Subscribing to the Echo means you have unrestricted access to the latest news, features and Saints coverage - all with an advertising-light website.

You will also have full access to Saintsplus, your new home for Southampton FC tactical analysis, features and much, much more.

Don't just take my word for it - subscribe today.

Follow the latest breaking news in the Southampton area by searching Southampton News - Breaking News and Incidents on Facebook

Follow the latest court and crime news on our dedicated group by searching Hampshire Court and Crime News on Facebook