Chelsea are “ready” to make an offer for Southampton midfielder Romeo Lavia during the January transfer window, according to 90min.com.

Manchester City sold the Belgian Under 21 international to the Saints in July, but they included a buyback option that means the Premier League champions can re-sign the player for £40m as early as next summer.

However, it appears Chelsea are keen to secure Lavia’s signature before City’s clause comes into effect. The Blues did make an attempt to bring the 19-year-old to Stamford Bridge just weeks after he moved to the South Coast in August.

90min now claim another offer is likely to be submitted this month, with Southampton expected to hold out for a fee in the region of £50m.

Lavia is a very promising young player and it was a surprise when the Citizens let the teenager leave for only £10.5m last year, so it would be a blow if he does end up moving to London.