Chelsea have moved to outbid Liverpool for Romeo Lavia.
The Reds have failed with three offers for the Southampton midfielder - their latest being a structured deal rising to 46m.
Saints want 50m to sell and Chelsea have now made a superior proposal.
The Athletic's David Ornstein reports the Blues have offered 48m plus bonuses for Lavia, with negotiations now open.
Chelsea failed with a 50m offer a year ago just weeks after Saints had signed Lavia from Manchester City.