Todd Boehly retains interest in Southampton star despite failed Chelsea summer transfer

Chelsea co-owner Todd Boehly remains keen to bring Southampton midfielder Romeo Lavia to Stamford Bridge this summer. football.london understands Chelsea retain an interest in Lavia after initially showing intent to sign him last summer.

Lavia has impressed in his breakthrough Premier League campaign for the Saints after joining from Manchester City for around £11million. Understandably, his high quality performances in the middle of the park have attracted the attention of several European clubs, including Champions League quarter-finalists Chelsea.

The Blues seemingly lead the race for the 19-year-old having previously attempted to snatch him from the south coast towards the start of this season. Despite only joining Southampton during the summer transfer window, Chelsea immediately tried to sign the highly-rated Belgian a mere matter of weeks later, having a deadline day bid of £50million rejected.

According to Belgian journalist Sacha Tavolieri, there is 'intense pressure' coming from Chelsea to sign Lavia, who has just earned his first call-up to his national side.

Tavolieri tweeted: "Selected for the 1st time by Domenico #Tedesco, Roméo Lavia is the subject of intense pressing by #ChelseaFC . As we reported to you in December, #CFC wants to accelerate and this week met the entourage of #DiablesRouges in Belgium. #mercato"

Any potential move at the end of this season could be helped if Southampton are relegated to the Championship. Lavia has been a shining light in the Saints' disappointing season, as they remain embroiled in a titanic relegation battle. He has impressed with his commanding performances that belie his inexperience at the top level.

However, Chelsea are likely to face stiff competition, with both Arsenal and Manchester United also said to be keen on a move. Despite impressing much of the footballing world this campaign, Saints boss Ruben Selles had previously admitted to being unimpressed by the teenager.

"I will say he’s not impressed me," Selles said in his press conference, via HampshireLive. "He has more football to offer and I expect him to offer more football. He’s not there yet. He needs to step up and move forward.

"Romeo has all the qualities to become a great player, but I don’t think he’s there yet. And this is why he didn’t impress me."

Chelsea player ratings vs Everton as Felix shines, Fernandez great, Koulibaly makes costly error

Kepa Arrizabalaga – Needs to impose himself more at set-pieces. He should do better for Everton's first goal. 5.

Wesley Fofana – Tremendous piece of defending to block James Tarkowski at the far post just before the 25-minute mark. Once again, he looked quick and aggressive and really set the tone in the back-three. 7.

Kalidou Koulibaly – He was looking really good again but he's beaten to easily by Ellis Simms in the last minute of normal time. Simms then goes on to score and level the game for Everton. Poor defending. 5.

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Benoit Badiashile – Probably the worst out of the back-three but still had a solid game. He gave away a couple of silly fouls that allowed Everton to apply some rare pressure on the Chelsea goal. 5.

Reece James – Wasn't at his sensational best but he's almost a victim of his own success in that regard. Had a good game but didn't set the world alight

Mateo Kovacic – Goes really close early on with a volley which would've been the most Kovacic goal ever, by the way. Looks very good alongside Enzo. They look to be building some partnership in the middle. 7.

Christian Pulisic – Looked lively. Chelsea's front three of Pulisic, Havertz and Felix were very slick and dynamic with their runs in and around the box. Looked a bit rusty at times which is understandable given it was his first start for two-and-a-half months. 6.

Joao Felix – Looked really lively. His movement, touch and awareness were all brilliant early on and that continued into the second-half. Takes his goal really well, and it was well deserved. Perhaps his best performance in a Chelsea shirt yet. 8.

Kai Havertz – Not as impactful as recent matches. But he showed ice-cold composure from the penalty spot. He didn't even look at the ball, he had his eyes on Jordan Pickford the whole time. Three goals in as many games for the German. 7.

Substitutes

Conor Gallagher – Comes on around the hour-mark with Graham Potter changing Chelsea's shape. Did okay. Not too much to report on. 6.

Ruben Loftus-Cheek – On for 10 minutes, not enough for a score. N/A.

Trevoh Chalobah – See above, but five minutes. N/A.

Carney Chukwuemeka – See above. N/A.