Manchester United 'join the race for Southampton's Romeo Lavia'

Manchester United have reportedly entered the race for Southampton midfielder Romeo Lavia.

The 19-year-old joined the Saints from Manchester City last summer, and he has been a vital player for the club during the 2022-23 campaign, featuring on 21 occasions, contributing one goal and one assist.

Lavia was on the sidelines with a hamstring problem between the start of September and end of October, but he has now been involved in Southampton's last eight league fixtures.

The Belgium Under-21s international signed a deal at St Mary's until June 2027, but there is currently widespread speculation surrounding his future.

Southampton will allegedly find it difficult to keep hold of Lavia even if they manage to avoid Premier League relegation, with the club currently bottom of the table, four points from safety.

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Chelsea are believed to be firmly interested in the teenager, while Arsenal are also said to be keeping a close eye on his situation ahead of the summer transfer window.

However, according to the Daily Mail, Man United are now in the race, with the Red Devils impressed with the midfielder's performances during the 2022-23 campaign.

The report claims that Lavia is viewed as a cheaper alternative to the likes of West Ham United's Declan Rice, Borussia Dortmund's Jude Bellingham and Barcelona's Frenkie de Jong.

Man City are believed to have the option to re-sign the youngster for around £40m, although it is understood that the buy-back clause will not become active until the summer of 2024.

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Man United are currently well-stocked in the middle of midfield, with Christian Eriksen and Casemiro arriving last summer, but there could be a turnaround at the end of the season.

Scott McTominay is likely to be made surplus to requirements, while Donny van de Beek could also depart depending on his recovery from a serious knee injury, which would open up space in the squad for another midfielder.

Southampton would not be in a strong position to keep hold of Lavia, or to demand a high asking price, if they drop into the Championship for the 2023-24 campaign.

On the other hand, any move for Rice, Bellingham or De Jong is likely to cost in the region of £100m, and it remains to be seen how much the Red Devils have to spend this summer due to their ownership situation.