Chelsea agree £58m transfer package for Liverpool target Romeo Lavia

Yet another transfer saga looks to be coming to a close, and again, not in Liverpool's favour - with Southampton accepting Chelsea's latest bid for Romeo Lavia.

On Monday afternoon, it was reported that long-time Liverpool target Romeo Lavia had chosen Chelsea as his next club, and a bid in excess of £50m was due to be submitted by the London club imminently.

Now that bid has come to fruition, with Southampton accepting an offer of £53m guaranteed, with a further £5m in add ons, as reported by the Athletic's David Ornstein.

With a transfer fee and personal terms now agreed, only Lavia's pending medical in London stands in the way of the transfer being completed, leaving Liverpool fans naturally feeling a deflated sense of Déjà vu after an almost identical saga played out with Moises Caicedo just days prior, despite Liverpool agreeing a British world record fee of £111m for the Ecuadorian.

Liverpool have long been chasing Romeo Lavia, with multiple low-ball bids rejected by Southampton, so this news will sting Jurgen Klopp and FSG as the club desperately looks to sign a specialist defensive midfielder before the transfer window comes to a close.

With Jordan Henderson, James Milner, and Fabinho leaving the club, the Reds looks incredibly light in the defensive area of midfield. While Alexis Mac Allister can play the role well, his attacking creativity is being hampered as he is pushed deeper to cover for Liverpool's lack of a "number six".

According to the Mail Online, as many as six players are being considered by the club as they look to reinforce the midfield, including: Joao Palhinha, Cheick Doucoure, Khephren Thuram, Andre, Sofyan Amrabat, and Kalvin Phillips. 

One thing is certain, Jörg Schmadtke is going to be very busy for the rest of August and Liverpool can't afford to get this wrong if they want to get back to their best this season.