Manchester United have joined the list of clubs keeping tabs on Southampton starlet Romeo Lavia.
Southampton are facing a battle to hold onto their impressive teenage midfielder Lavia beyond this season with interest growing.
The 19 year-old Belgian is one of the central midfielders in Chelsea’s sights for the summer and has already been subject of enquiries from the Blues since his move to St Mary’s.
United are now among his admirers while Arsenal are understood to have shown interest too with both sides assessing their options ahead of moves to strengthen in central midfield this summer.
Borussia Dortmund’s Jude Bellingham is one marquee midfield name on United’s wishlist, Erik Ten Hag remains keen on Barcelona’s Frenkie de Jong and there is also a long-standing admiration for West Ham’s Declan Rice at Old Trafford.
However significant competition or hurdles will need to be overcome in order to land one of that trio.
Rice is Arsenal’s top transfer target and they could bring in up to two central midfielders ahead of next season.
However significant competition or hurdles will need to be overcome in order to land one of that trio.
Rice is Arsenal’s top transfer target and they could bring in up to two central midfielders ahead of next season.
Lavia joined Southampton from Manchester City last summer in a deal worth up to £14m, signing a five-year contract.
He has been a regular starter and key player for the south coast club this season either side of a hamstring injury which temporarily sidelined him.
City have a buyback clause in the deal worth around £40m, though it is an option that cannot be triggered until next summer.
In the next window therefore Southampton will have greater scope to negotiate a higher fee for Lavia if they decide to cash in.
Lavia joined City aged 16 after coming to their attention when he shone for Anderlecht in front of Pep Guardiola at the KDB Cup, an international youth tournament which Kevin de Bruyne has put his name to.
The City star said of Lavia last year: ‘He is very good. He’s been training with us since the end of last year. If he continues his development, I think he’ll be a top player.’
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