Man United face off against arch-rivals to sign 16-year-old Belgian wonderkid

Manchester United keeping tabs on Belgian youngster Romeo Lavia

According to Belgian publication Het Laatse Nieuws (h/t Express), Manchester United are keen to beat off Manchester City and Liverpool to the signing of Romeo Lavia.

The youngster is considered to be one of the brightest talents in Belgian football. He can play either as a central defender or as a defensive midfielder.

Having been at Anderlecht since 2012, arch-rivals Manchester City have an edge when it comes to signing him. The Belgian giants are managed by City legend Vincent Kompany.

Lavia has also represented Belgium at the youth level. He captained the side at the Under-16 level against France and Portugal – scoring twice in four appearances. (h/t Express)

He is yet to make a senior appearance for the Belgian club. It was announced last week on Instagram that he will be leaving the club this summer.

“It’s with great emotion that I announce the end of my adventure at Anderlecht.”

According to the report, Pep Guardiola’s side are in advanced talks to bring Lavia to the Etihad Stadium in the upcoming transfer window.

Having lost out on Bellingham, United should go all out to sign Lavia. The 16-year-old is held in high regard by Belgium Under-16 coach Bob Browaeys.

Described as the ideal defender, he could be moulded into a world-class player at United. Strong defenders are worth their weight in gold and stealing a march on a potential powerhouse will do the club a favour.

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United have in recent windows looked at promising players with a high ceiling. Lavia certainly fits these parameters.

It remains to be seen if the club can trump City to the player. Beating our arch-rivals who are already in talks with him will add another layer to the victory.