Leeds United and Southampton are interested in signing Manchester City youngster Romeo Lavia this summer, according to a new report.
The past week has seen developments emerge around the Premier League champions and their pursuit of a replacement for departing captain Fernandinho, who is likely to move back to Brazil after spending nine seasons at the Etihad Stadium.
Leeds midfielder Kalvin Phillips has been heavily linked with a potential switch to Manchester in the last month, with confidence amongst those in Manchester and at Elland Road that City will secure the 26-year-old's arrival as they make a formal approach for the England international before the end of the month.
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Frenkie de Jong, Paul Pogba and Declan Rice have all been linked with the Blues at some point since the end of the previous campaign but it is believed City have made Phillips their number one target after completing the signings of Erling Haaland and Julian Alvarez.
Having retained the Premier League title for the second time under Pep Guardiola on the final day of the previous campaign, City are keen to kick on from a successful season and challenge on all fronts next season.
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Having made some significant additions to their squad early on in the window, City will go all out in their pursuit of Kalvin Phillips to bolster competition for Rodri and add depth to the number six position.
Mike McGrath of The Telegraph initially revealed Leeds are interested in signing Manchester City and Belgium U-21 star Romeo Lavia to strengthen Jesse Marsch's midfield options next season.
It has been further reported by The Athletic that Leeds and Southampton are both eyeing a swoop for the 18-year-old, who was part of Manchester City's first-team squad last season.
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Lavia is highly rated at Elland Road as well as St. Mary's and whilst Manchester City are reluctant to let the teenager leave, it is believed by the those at the Etihad Stadium that a potential deal with 'offset' City's approach for Kalvin Phillips.
It is worth noting there is belief around the Etihad Stadium that Lavia has the ability to one day play regularly in the first-team, though next season may come too soon for the young Belgian to make a true mark on the senior squad.
Topics: Manchester City Transfer News & Rumours, Manchester City, Premier League, Leeds United, Southampton, Kalvin Phillips
Vayam Lahoti