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The Athletic: Manchester City hoping Leeds United’s midfield agreement could spark Kalvin Phillips departure

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Image for The Athletic: Manchester City hoping Leeds United’s midfield agreement could spark Kalvin Phillips departure

Leeds United and Southampton are both keen on signing Manchester City’s Romeo Lavia this summer.

The Whites are taking to this transfer window with a similar strategy to previous ones, with two focuses being on the senior fold and then the youth sector.

No signings have been made yet for the under-23s, but teenage targets are on the agenda.

The Athletic are reporting that Leeds are looking to sign Man City’s Belgian under-21 international, Romeo Lavia.

Lavia, 18, has been a core part of City under-23s’ PL2 title win as he made 20 appearances in defensive midfield, scoring once and assisting twice.

He also made his senior debut for Pep Guardiola’s side in their League Cup win over Wycombe last season.

The report does reveal that Man City are reluctant to let the midfielder go, but also do believe that allowing his exit to Leeds could help ease negotiations to bring Kalvin Phillips the other way to the Etihad.

Would you be happy with Lavia replacing Phillips?

Yes

Yes

No

No

Lavia is a youngster regarded as someone with the potential to be a first-team player at Man City in the future.

Strengthening the under-23s, or adding depth to the senior squad?

It’s hard to say what category Lavia falls into, and the only comparison we could have is Ian Poveda, who joined Leeds from a similar position.

He was a regular in the City youth setup and made his only senior appearance against EFL Cup minnow opposition.

If City are thinking that Lavia could help negotiations around Phillips, I am worrying that he might be the England man’s replacement.

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Poveda is right-footed.

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Leeds United season ticket holder since 2013/14, currently situated in the middle of the FA5 noise. From Pablo Hernandez to 5-1 drubbings, I've seen it all at Elland Road.