Chelsea made a late move to try and sign former Manchester City youngster Romeo Lavia on transfer deadline day in a last-ditch attempt to reinforce their midfield – but had a £50 million bid rejected by Southampton.
Saints signed the midfielder for around £12 million earlier in the summer, with City retaining a £40 million buy-back clause for the 18-year-old who has enjoyed a stunning start to his Premier league career.
Chelsea instead opted to sign Swiss international Dennis Zakaria after failing in their bid to buy the young Belgian, according to the Southern Daily Echo.
The midfielder scored in a win against the Blues last week and is viewed as a top prospect, this is reflected in the £50 million reportedly offered by the west London club in order to secure the player's services.