Roland Cutinho
Manchester United are keeping tabs on 19-year-old Southampton star Romeo Lavia, wanted by ‘Big Six clubs’
According to transfer guru Fabrizio Romano, Manchester United are monitoring the situation of Southampton midfield prodigy Romeo Lavia this summer.
It is quite clear that the Red Devils are looking for midfield reinforcements to bolster their squad ahead of the upcoming campaign. Erik ten Hag is busy contemplating his next move after being engaged in talks to sign Chelsea midfielder Mason Mount.
Belgian midfielder Lavia is wanted by Premier League’s ‘Big Six clubs’, and the Red Devils have also been linked with a move for the youngster. Competition clearly will be tough.
Lavia stood out as a top performer for Southampton despite their challenging 2022-23 season. The Saints faced relegation to the Championship, finishing in 20th place in the Premier League.
Despite the team’s struggles, the Belgian star had an impressive debut season, contributing one goal and one assist in 35 matches across various competitions. He played a significant role in Southampton’s journey to the semi-finals of the EFL Cup, even though he struggled with a knee injury early on in the season.
Although Lavia still has four years remaining on his contract at St Mary’s, the club seems to have accepted the likelihood of losing the former Manchester City youngster, with several elite clubs expressing interest. The player too appears ready to take the next step in his development.
The 19-year-old’s impressive performances in midfield have attracted interest from top clubs such as Chelsea, Liverpool, United, and Arsenal. Fabrizio Romano stated that Arsenal have already been working on a deal for the last 15 days and are well ahead in this race.
Recently, Liverpool have let their presence be felt by asking about the conditions of the deal. Meanwhile, Man United and Chelsea are also keeping tabs on the entire situation. However, Southampton may demand a higher fee if they allow Lavia to leave during the current transfer window.
While United are monitoring the situation, their primary focus is currently on pursuing Mount from Chelsea. However, the more we pay for the Englishman, the less we will have in our kitty to reinforce other areas of the roster.
Last summer, Manchester City included a £40 million buyback clause in Lavia’s contract. However, the Premier League champions cannot exercise that option until the end of the next season, and the clause will become void if the midfielder moves to another club this summer.
Following Southampton’s relegation to the Championship for the 2023-24 season, there are chances that the Belgian international will leave the club in favour of top-flight football.
The young midfielder’s impressive performances have caught the attention of Man United, as he possesses the qualities to succeed at Old Trafford. United’s central midfield has experienced a mixed season, with the arrival of Casemiro providing some necessary strength in the area but also revealing certain deficiencies.
While the Brazilian has added solidity, it is clear that there are still noticeable gaps in the team’s midfield setup. Additionally, as the former Real Madrid star is not a long-term solution for the club, the Red Devils may seek to find his successor without delay.
In the short term, Lavia could potentially play alongside Casemiro and eventually take over from him in the long run.
We believe that his arrival would provide added defensive discipline and physicality to United’s midfield. He would certainly be an upgrade over players like Scott McTominay.
More Manchester United News
- Saudi clubs offer Manchester United goalkeeper David de Gea an exit route
- Alex Telles wants to leave Manchester United this summer to return to Porto
- Arsenal set to accept personal terms with Manchester United target Jurrien Timber
Despite interest from other clubs, the Red Devils potential qualification for the Champions League makes them an appealing destination for the young midfielder, who is eager to progress in his career.
The competition for his signature remains to be seen, but United will aim to fend off rivals and secure his services in the upcoming months.
