Manchester City hold three key Romeo Lavia contract clauses amid Manchester United, Chelsea and Arsenal transfer interest | OneFootball

Manchester City have both a buy-back and sell-on clause in the contract of Southampton midfielder Romeo Lavia, amid growing transfer interest from three Premier League heavyweights.

The 19 year-old, who made just two first-team appearances for Manchester City, was one of four players to move from the City Football Academy to St Mary’s last summer, as Southampton completed a significant raid on the Blues’ academy talents.

Gavin Bazunu, Samuel Edozie and Juan Larios also signed for the Saints, however it has been Belgian midfielder Romeo Lavia who has impressed several prospective suitors during his maiden top-flight campaign.

Lavia has made 20 appearances for Southampton across all competitions so far this season, featuring in 15 Premier League matches and scoring one goal.

The teenager signed for an initial £10.5 million, and was even reportedly subject to an audacious late bid from Chelsea just a matter of weeks after signing for the Saints.

Chelsea, Manchester United and Arsenal are all showing an interest in the teenage midfielder, with Erik ten Hag’s side “admirers” of the 19 year-old, according to a new report by The Daily Mail.

Should Southampton choose to sell the former Manchester City starlet than the Sky Blues would have the opportunity to match any future bids.

The reigning Premier League champions also have a £40 million buy-back clause as well as a sizeable 20% sell-on clause.

City could therefore be set to earn a significant windfall, although it remains to be seen whether the prospect of Lavia joining a top-six rival could force the Blues into re-signing the Belgian.

Jadon Sancho, who signed for Borussia Dortmund after leaving the City academy, completed a £73 million move to Manchester United in 2021.

Chelsea meanwhile recently recruited Joe Shields as Co-Director of recruitment and talent, with Shields having previously spent nine-years with Manchester City.

City are themselves expected to bolster their midfield this summer, with Jude Bellingham, Mason Mount, Declan Rice and Mateo Kovacic having all been linked.

Pep Guardiola did however add defensive midfielder Kalvin Phillips to his squad in July, with the Englishman penning a six-year deal from Leeds United.