Chelsea Sign Teenage Southampton Midfielder Romeo Lavia

Chelsea have signed Romeo Lavia on a seven-year contract from Southampton it was announced Friday in the latest addition to their squad after the teenage midfielder rejected a move to Premier League rivals Liverpool. No fee has been disclosed but British media reports estimated the worth of the deal at 53 million pounds ($67.5 million, 62 million euros), possibly rising to 58 million pounds.

Lavia, 19, is the eighth player to join Chelsea in the current transfer window, with the London club, now owned by a consortium led by American businessman Todd Boehly, having spent more than 350 million pounds-- although they have sold several high-value footballers as well.

Belgium international Lavia has made 29 Premier League appearances and has arrived at Stamford Bridge following south coast side Southampton's relegation from English football's top-flight last season.