Manchester United ready to join Liverpool in Romeo Lavia race?

Manchester United are reportedly toying with the idea of joining the race for Southampton midfielder Romeo Lavia.

The Red Devils are currently on the brink of adding Atalanta BC forward Rasmus Hojlund to their squad, joining goalkeeper Andre Onana and playmaker Mason Mount.

However, at a time when United are said to be trying to find a balancing act with FFP, their spending for the summer is due to move past the £170m mark.

While sales of fringe players are expected in due course, opting to spend an alleged £72m on Hojlund will bring limitations when it comes to other areas.

With defender Harry Maguire in line to remain at Old Trafford, the priority of head coach Erik ten Hag is likely to be signing a new central midfielder as soon as possible.

© Reuters

United are regarded as long-term admirers of Fiorentina midfielder Sofyan Amrabat and a deal for the Morocco international could be completed if the teams can agree on a fee.

However, according to The Independent, Ten Hag also holds an interest in signing Lavia, who is attracting widespread interest from elsewhere.

Liverpool are known to be at the front of the queue for the Belgium international, the Merseyside giants allegedly being told by Southampton that it will take a £50m proposal to finalise a deal.

As it stands, Liverpool have had a number of offers rebuffed by the Championship outfit, but a breakthrough in negotiations is expected sooner rather than later.

© Reuters

Chelsea have also been linked with the former Manchester City youngster, although the Blues seem more focused on contemplating approaches for Brighton & Hove Albion's Moises Caicedo and Leeds United's Tyler Adams.

Nineteen-year-old Lavia has emerged as one of the most highly-rated prospects in European football having made 29 Premier League appearances during his first campaign at St Mary's.

Although Lavia holds a long-term contract at Southampton, a buy-back clause for City in 2024 for lower than the South Coast outfit's asking price this summer effectively means that a sale is highly likely.

Lavia's association with City may mean that he opts against joining neighbours United, particularly when a chance to return to the Etihad Stadium is theoretically only a year away.