Leeds have shown an interest un Belgium U21 international Romeo Lavia as reported by The Athletic.
Both Leeds and Southampton have expressed their admiration for the talented 18 year old defensive midfielder. He is well regarded at Manchester City and they believe he has the attributes to eventually make the step up to the first team.
Lavia has featured in Pep Guardiola’s first team in the Carabao cup against Wycombe and also in the FA Cup. Manchester City highly rate him and are reluctant to let him leave the club. It could appear that Leeds hold the trump card with City trailing Kalvin Phillips and could use that as leverage in a way to strike up a deal.
Leeds United & Southampton are interested in Manchester City's Romeo Lavia.#MCFC are reluctant to sell but view a potential deal as a way to offset any bid they may make for #LUFC's Kalvin Phillips.
More from @dansheldonsport, @PhilHay_ & @SamLee https://t.co/7KX7FmrATw— The Athletic | Football (@TheAthleticFC) June 16, 2022
Leeds fans will want to keep hold of Phillips but may be resigned to losing the England International and this could be a way of sweetening up the deal.
Romeo Lavia is a product of the Anderlecht youth academy, having been there since the age of 8. He caught the attraction of Machester City and joined them in 2020 at the age of 16 and signed his first professional contract with the club. He was placed in the U18’s and within a few appearances was promoted the the U23’s where he won the Premier League 2 title and was voted player of the season.
He made his first team debut at the age of 17 in September 2021, an EFL Cup game against Wycombe Wanderers.
Lavia is a defensive midfielder, listing his inspirations as Sergio Busquets and team mate Fernandinho. Comfortable on the ball and capable of intense pressing using pace and tenacity. He is also renowned for making intelligent, defence splitting passes.
He sounds like just the player Leeds could use in midfield and he would be a really good addition to Jesse Marsch’s squad.