Manchester United, Chelsea & Arsenal in race for former Man City Starlet

Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag is keen on bolstering his squad in the summer transfer window with both big-name signings as well as promising youngsters. The Dutch boss is a huge fan of developing youth into superstars, as he did during his time at Ajax, and has a knack for identifying promising talents.

While the Premier League giants have been heavily linked with making a move for Borussia Dortmund‘s Jude Bellingham and Barcelona‘s Frenkie de Jong, they are also scouting the transfer market for acquiring youth to develop.

Manchester United want former Manchester City starlet

One such prospect identified by the coach is the product of the youth system of Manchester City currently playing for Southampton, Romeo Lavia. Daily Mail report that Man United have joined the race to secure the 19-year-old who left Pep Guardiola’s side in 2022.

The Belgium international has seen tremendous growth ever since, making 21 appearances for the Saints so far this season. Though Lavia is a new arrival, joining Southampton last summer on a five-year contract worth £14 million, the Premier League side are struggling to keep him with Chelsea and Arsenal also reportedly showing interest.

Meanwhile, Man City also have the option to avoid losing their academy graduate to other clubs with the buy-back clause that was included in their deal with the St Mary’s. However, it will cost the Citizens £40 million to buy him back, with the clause activating only in 2024.

All four of the Premier League giants are exploring their options in order to secure the youngster with United also looking to sign a big-name midfielder this summer with De Jong, Bellingham, and Declan Rice being the names that are heavily linked with the Red Devils.

Would you like to see Romeo Lavia at Old Trafford?