Manchester City head coach Pep Guardiola has said that he is "really impressed" with Romeo Lavia amid suggestions that the midfielder could return to the Etihad Stadium.
The 19-year-old moved to Southampton from the Citizens last summer, and he has been a vital player for the Saints this season, featuring on 26 occasions, contributing one goal and one assist.
Lavia has a long-term deal at St Mary's, signing until June 2027 last year, but there is currently widespread speculation surrounding his future.
Manchester United, Liverpool and Arsenal have all allegedly been monitoring his performances in recent weeks, while there have also been claims that Man City could re-sign him.
The Citizens are said to have a buy-back clause of £40m, although it is understood that it will not become active until 2024, meaning that there could be an open race for Lavia this summer.
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The Belgium international will allegedly leave Southampton at the end of the season even if the Saints are able to avoid relegation from the Premier League.
Lavia is expected to face his former club on Saturday, when the Saints welcome the champions to St Mary's.
Guardiola was full of praise for the midfielder when asked about his form this season, claiming that the Citizens still have "an incredible opinion about him".
"I am really impressed with what Romeo has done and is doing," Guardiola told reporters during his press conference on Friday afternoon.
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"We had, and we have, an incredible opinion about him. We thought to keep him, but maybe he would not (get) enough minutes like he has in Southampton."
Lavia has featured on 20 occasions for the Saints in the Premier League this season, while he has played five times in the cup competitions.
The midfielder spent eight years in the Anderlecht youth system before moving to Man City in 2020, making two first-team appearances during his time with the Citizens.
The Belgian's debut for the reigning English champions came against Wycombe Wanderers in the EFL Cup at the age of 17 in September 2021, while he also featured in the FA Cup in the same season against Swindon Town.
