Chelsea FC host Liverpool FC at Stamford Bridge on Sunday to kick off their Premier League campaign.
CHELSEA
The game will kick off the Mauricio Pochettino era at the club and will definitely be a battle.
However, both teams may have added motivation for this game because they are now competing off the pitch to sign Brighton & Hove Albion star Moises Caicedo.
The Ecuador international has been at the center of one of the summer’s biggest transfer sagas, but after a number of twists and turns in recent days, he finally looks set to join the Blues.
Liverpool had hoped to beat their rivals to Caicedo’s signature with a late Β£111 million bid, but the player has now informed the Reds that he wishes to join Chelsea, according to report.
βI plan to playβ β Mauricio Pochettino drops major hint on Liverpool starting Xl
According to 90min, the West London club are close to a deal with Southampton for midfielder Romeo Lavia.
The 19-year-old only joined the Saints from Manchester City last year, but he had an outstanding debut season at St. Mary’s and has since been linked with a move elsewhere.
According to the report, Chelsea rekindled their interest in the Belgian on Friday and are now close to finalizing a Β£55 million deal for the player.
Chelsea FC Manager Mauricio Pochettino looks to finalise squad
Liverpool, who are also looking for a midfielder, have already had one bid for the teenager rejected, with Southampton standing fast on their Β£50 million value.
Last season, Lavia made 34 appearances for the Saints in all competitions and was perhaps their most impressive player, but he was unable to prevent their relegation.
The Belgium under-21 international missed their Championship season opener against Sheffield Wednesday last week and is unlikely to play against Norwich on Saturday.
