Southampton are set to sign Romeo Lavia from Manchester City despite rival interest from Premier League counterparts Leeds United.
The Saints have already landed one Manchester City talent by bringing in goalkeeper Gavin Bazunu earlier this summer.
Southampton have been picking up young talent from perceivably bigger Premier League clubs, landing Chelsea duo Dynel Simeu and Valentino Livramento last summer.
After snapping up German talent Armel Bella-Kotchap, Southampton are now set to secure the signing of another young talent in Lavia.
Southampton are set to sign Romeo Lavia
The Athletic reported last week that Leeds United and Southampton were fighting for the signature of Lavia.
It was suggested that City were reluctant to let Lavia go, but saw selling the Belgian as a way to bring in cash.
The Athletic now claim that Southampton are close to completing a deal to sign Lavia.
Some may have wondered whether Lavia would be sent to Leeds as part of a deal to take Kalvin Phillips to the Etihad Stadium.
Instead, it seems that another City youngster will join Leeds in Darko Gyabi.
City have high hopes for Lavia and are so convinced that he can be a first-team player in the future that they have a buy-back clause in Lavia’s move to Southampton.
It’s unclear just how much Southampton are spending on Lavia but the 18-year-old looks set for the South Coast.
Lavia joined City from Anderlecht in 2020 after being spotted by Pep Guardiola at the age of just 15.
The teenager has notched two first-team appearances for City but will now have the chance to earn many more with Southampton.
A holding midfielder who loves Sergio Busquets and Fernandinho, Lavia appears to have huge potential for the future.
Lavia will have a familiar face at Southampton in Bazunu and Southampton will hope that the pair can live up to their billing.
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