Man Utd and Chelsea ‘leading Romeo Lavia transfer race’ with Southampton star at centre of Premier League tug-of-war

PREMIER LEAGUE giants Manchester United and Chelsea are leading the race for Southampton star Romeo Lavia according to reports.

Lavia, 19, has enjoyed a breakout season at Southampton following his £14million arrival from Manchester City last summer.

EPALavia is already being linked with a move away from Southampton despite only joining in the summer[/caption]

The midfielder has enjoyed a breakout season for SouthamptonRex

Despite only arriving at St Mary’s six months ago the midfielder is already being linked with a move away.

Belgian journalist Sacha Tavolieri has said United and Chelsea are leading the race for the 19-year-old’s signature.

Tavolieri adds that Manchester City remain in the race due to having a buy back clause inserted in the contract when they sold Lavia.

Chelsea are in the market as they search for a defensive midfielder which will allow Enzo Fernandez to operate higher up the pitch.

Despite heavy investment from owner Todd Boehly the Blues don’t have a holding midfielder amongst their ranks following the departure of Jorginho to rivals Arsenal.

Alongside Lavia, Graham Potter’s side have also been linked with moves for West Ham’s Declan Rice and Borussia Monchengladbach’s Manu Kone.

For United the Southampton man doesn’t represent their first choice option.

Erik ten Hag wants to pursue a deal for Barcelona’s Frenkie de Jong who the Red Devils were heavily linked with last summer.

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The Old Trafford outfit have also been linked with a summer move for Rice and Borussia Dortmund’s Jude Bellingham.

Lavia has made 18 appearances for Southampton this season, scoring once.

The Saints’ ability to keep hold of their star man would be severely weakened if the club were to get relegated.

Southampton sit bottom of the table and host Tottenham tomorrow.