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The Reds saw a number of bids rejected for the Belgium international but appeared to have finally got their man when the Saints reportedly accepted a bid worth £60m.
However, the 19-year-old was aware of interest from Chelsea after the Blues also had a bid rejected and made it clear that he preferred a move to Stamford Bridge over a switch to Anfield.
The Athletic report that Chelsea have now had an offer accepted, which will see an initial £53m paid, with potentially another £5m coming in add-ons.
Southampton only signed Lavia from Manchester City last year in a deal worth an initial £10.5m with possible add-ons taking it up to £14m.
The Championship side are making a huge profit on the midfielder, but some of it will be paid back to the Premier League champions as Manchester City have a 20 per cent sell-on clause in his contract, worth over £10m in this deal.
It is more frustration for Liverpool after they saw Brighton accept a bid from them for Moises Caicedo, only for the Ecuadorian to choose a move to Chelsea over a switch to Merseyside.
Reds manager Jurgen Klopp is in desperate need of a holding midfielder and will continue the hunt for one before the transfer window closes, but much time has been wasted in failed pursuits of Caicedo and Lavia.
MORE : Southampton chief hints Chelsea will win Romeo Lavia transfer race despite accepting offer from Liverpool
MORE : Gary Neville highlights Manchester United midfield issue and makes desperate Romeo Lavia plea
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