Chelsea made a sensational attempt for Southampton midfielder Romeo Lavia last week.

That's according to Italian transfer expert Fabrizio Romano.

Romano is reporting: "Behind the scenes. Chelsea wanted to sign Romeo Lavia on Deadline Day with £50m verbal proposal rejected by Southampton — of course, he's untouchable.

"Southampton invested £12m plus add-ons for Lavia — and Man City have £40m buy back clause."

Southampton signed midfielder Lavia, 18, from City earlier this summer.