SAINTS ace Romeo Lavia has agreed to join Chelsea over Liverpool according to recent reports.

The 19 year old Southampton midfielder has been the subject of a two-way transfer battle between two of England's biggest clubs in recent weeks.

Chelsea faced strong competition from Liverpool, who the Guardian reported had agreed a £60million deal to sign Lavia from Southampton on Monday morning.

Despite Jurgen Klopp's side reportedly agreeing a deal to sign the young midfielder, Lavia is believed to have opted for a move to the English capital.

The Atheltic report that a fee in the region of £50million plus add-ons is expected to take the Belgian international to Stamford Bridge.

The former Manchester City prodigy arrived on the south coast last summer in a £12million deal and has since made 29 Premier League appearances for the club.

However, Lavia is yet to make a competitive appearance under Russell Martin and was left out of the Saints squad for their 4-4 draw with Norwich on Saturday.

Chelsea previously made a verbal proposal to purchase Lavia for £50million just a few weeks after the youngster signed from Manchester City last summer but that offer was swiftly rejected.

The teenager is expected to join Moises Caicedo, who also snubbed Liverpool in favour of joining Chelsea for a British record £115million transfer fee from Brighton & Hove Albion.