Romeo Lavia of Southampton is the subject of a £48 million offer from Chelsea, plus add-ons.
The Championship team had been demanding £50 million and on Monday turned down Liverpool’s third offer of £46 million.
Southampton are confident in their estimation because they think Manchester City will be eager to exercise their £45 million buy-back clause when it becomes live in the coming summer.
Chelsea are in need of midfield reinforcements and have been in talks with Brighton regarding Moises Caicedo, who is valued at £105 million. They also want to make a £20 million offer for Tyler Adams of Leeds United.
