Follow the team: Chelsea did not ask for Lavia to be replaced by Garnacho. It was the Manchester United director who took the initiative to inquire about the situation.

Chelsea and team reporter KIERAN GILL reported that Chelsea did not take the initiative to sell Lavia. It was Manchester United's senior management who inquired about the situation.

There were reports this week that Chelsea used Romeo Lavia as a bargaining chip when negotiating with Manchester United this summer to bring in Alejandro Garnacho, who is worth 40 million pounds.

But the reporter revealed that the version he learned from the source is that it was actually Manchester United's director of football Jason Wilcox - who previously worked at Manchester City and Southampton (the two clubs Lavia played for before joining Chelsea) - who asked Chelsea about the feasibility of introducing the 21-year-old player. In conversations with Manchester United and other clubs at that time, the names of many players were mentioned by all parties, not just Lavia.

The reporter admitted that it was difficult not to sympathize with Ravia. Lavia is eager to play, and when he does, his performances often prove that he is more than worthy of playing at the highest level. But now that he is injured again, many Chelsea fans suggest that the club should seek to switch to a more reliable midfielder.

The reporter pointed out that Chelsea needs to wait for the progress of the future transfer window and whether it will receive formal offers from clubs such as Manchester United and make a decision. At present, the Blues are fully supporting the Belgium international in completing his latest recovery and look forward to his return to the game.

The reporter also said that he remembered covering Maresca's first preseason trip from July to August 2024. Lavia was the only player to start all the first six Chelsea friendly matches. When he interviewed Lavia in Charlotte, North Carolina, he asked the other party, "What is your dream season?" Lavia's answer was "not missing any games due to injury."

The reporter also wished Lavia can return in a similar way to Chelsea captain Reece James. As of this weekend, James will have been injury-free for more than a year.