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Leeds United in pursuit of versatile Manchester City youngster Romeo Lavia - report
Leeds United and Southampton have been linked with a move for Manchester City’s 18-year-old midfielder Romeo Lavia as revealed by The Athletic.
The Athletic has suggested on Thursday 16 June that City are reluctant to let the youngster leave the club but view any deal with Leeds as a way to structure a deal for Kalvin Phillips.
The defensive midfielder has featured 21 times in Premier League two this season scoring once and notching two assists, as well as making his first team debut in City’s Carabao Cup fixture against Wycombe Wanderers.
Versatile player
The midfielder has proven to be a good all-around performer during his appearances for City’s under-23 team and Belgium’s under-21 side.
As per Wyscout, the midfielder has a 90% pass success rate which is hardly a shock considering his development through City’s academy.
However, the combative 18-year-old attempts 20 duels per 90 min with a 54% success rate.
Furthermore, his awareness and defensive side of his game is displayed by his 4.5 interceptions per 90.
The youngster looks like a player who can also add a progressive attacking threat with the midfielder having a 65% dribble success rate.
Considering Lavia is only 18, there is plenty of time for him to develop into a real asset for whoever lands the midfielder.
He would be a good fit at either Leeds or Southampton with both teams known for developing young talent and giving youth a chance.
Leeds would especially fancy their chances if Manchester City make a move for Phillips in the coming weeks.
In other Leeds United news, Joe Gelhardt needs to be one of those two strikers ahead of Scott and Aaronson because he is the club’s most natural number nine.