Manchester United have joined the race to sign Southampton youngster Romeo Lavia, report The Mail.
Lavia, 19, signed for the Saints from Manchester City last summer for £14 million. He has made 20 appearances this season, 16 as a starter.
Arsenal are also reported to be interested. Manchester City have an option to re-sign Lavia for £40 million, however, this cannot be triggered until 2024.
With Southampton on course to be relegated, this summer is ideal for Manchester United to strike early and attempt to land Lavia for a knock-down fee.
READ: Confirmed Manchester United transfers in, out, loan deals for January 2023
Scholes impressed by Lavia
Romeo Lavia was praised earlier this season by Manchester United legend Paul Scholes, who told BT Sport: “I was surprised when City let him go I think he is good enough potentially.”
Quoted by The Mail, Scholes elaborated: “He has got a pass in his locker and he is big and strong and likes to defend. He does not want to get forward too much and sits in-front of the back four and sets the play in motion from there.”
Rio Ferdinand also talked the teenager up, adding: “He is a young player who can do both sides of the game, equally good defensively but also once he is one the ball he has tremendous feet and can pass it.”
Lavia’s talent is now undergoing a test of character, in a Southampton side who sit rock bottom of the Premier League. Interested team will be paying attention to how he copes.
United require Casemiro back-up
Casemiro has been an outstanding addition for Manchester United since he signed for the club. But there is not currently an adequate back-up for him.
The drop off level is too steep when Scott McTominay comes in to play that role. A move for Lavia would make a lot of sense.
This is a position where United need a talented prospect rather than an immediate 40-starts per season player, and Lavia could be developed by Erik ten Hag.
Manchester United host Southampton at Old Trafford next weekend. Lavia will have a chance to show what he can do.
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