Manchester City's pursuit of Kalvin Phillips appears to be one of the most high profile transfer stories this summer. It is said that the Champions see the Leeds United star as the ideal replacement for the departing Fernandinho and are prepared to pay £60million to secure his signature, as the Whites would want to secure as big a fee as possible for their hometown hero.
However, according to reports in the Athletic and the Daily Telegraph, Leeds have an interest in one of City's top prospects, Romeo Lavia. It is said that the Whites are battling Southampton for the youngster but it could be the case that the player could be included as part of the deal to bring Phillips to the Etihad.
Although Lavia was included in first-team squads for City last season and made his first-team debut in the Carabao Cup, many Leeds fans won't know about the youngster. Leeds Live has the breakdown below.
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Who is he?
Lavia is an 18-year-old Belgian. He moved to City from Anderlecht's Under-18 side in the summer of 2020.
What is his position?
Like Phillips, Lavia is a defensive midfielder. The 18-year-old is very highly rated and, like all City players, is extremely comfortable with the ball at his feet, as well as in doing his defensive work at the base of midfield.
What has he achieved in his career so far?
Lavia was a key component in City's Premier League Two Division One wins over the last two seasons. He started the vast majority of their fixtures, dictating the play from midfield.
What have people said about him?
"He’s a very good player. He has been training with us since the end of last year. If he continues like this, he will be a real asset for us." - Kevin De Bruyne - City TV.
"Of course, I would have preferred to see Romeo in purple first and then in Manchester City’s blue, but I am very happy for him. City need guys with this kind of profile.
"When Romeo was still training here with the A-squad, he showed he was very eager to learn and willing to listen. He picked up a lot and showed that he is aggressive in recovering the ball and while also being calm on the ball. You need that in that position. Lavia has what Pep Guardiola is looking for." - Vincent Kompany - Manchester Evening News, during his time as Anderlecht boss.
What has he said about himself?
"I’ve watched a lot of Fernandinho and Busquets. Those two have dominated the game as defensive midfielders. Fernandinho knows what he’s doing - he doesn’t run just to run. He’s like the brain of the team. When you’re young you want to run – left, right – but he knows what he’s doing so he won’t run as much, but will still be effective. That’s something I keep learning from him.
"I really enjoy recovering the ball and pass through the lines. Enzo's [Manchester City coach] helped me a lot with that, always being on the half-turn so I can see the game going forward, so it’s not a problem now." - Goal.
"It was just crazy. What a night. What an experience. I enjoyed every minute. It was great to be here, to be able to show what I can do. A night I’ll never forget.
"From there it is just about building and now I am so glad to be here. It’s a weird feeling to know you’ve got amazing players like Kevin De Bruyne and Phil Foden around you. It gives you more confidence and you’re more comfortable." - City TV, following his debut in the Carabao Cup.
