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Saints reportedly close to signing Man City midfielder with fee named

Swindon Town's Jordan Lyden (left) and Manchester City's Romeo Lavia battle for the ball during the Emirates FA Cup third round match at the Energy Check County Ground, Swindon. Picture date: Friday January 7, 2022..
Swindon Town's Jordan Lyden (left) and Manchester City's Romeo Lavia battle for the ball during the Emirates FA Cup third round match at the Energy Check County Ground, Swindon. Picture date: Friday January 7, 2022..

SAINTS are reportedly close to signing Manchester City midfielder Romeo Lavia, in what would be a second swoop for the club’s academy stars.

Goalkeeper Gavin Bazunu, 20, has already completed a move to St Mary’s and signed a five-year contract this month.

The Daily Echo understands that Saints are hoping to bring in a new central midfielder by the back-end of this week, before moving on to attacking targets in July.

Belgian under-21 international Lavia is only 18-years-old, but already a title-winner at Under-18 Premier League and Premier League 2 level.

The Brussels-born starlet, under contract at Manchester City until summer 2024, was given his first-team debut by manager Pep Guardiola in the EFL Cup and FA Cup last season.

The Athletic report that the deal to bring in the number six/eight is close to completion, while talkSPORT declare it is a package worth around £10million to acquire the youngster.

It is added that the deal will include a buy-back clause, similarly to Bazunu’s move to the south coast earlier in the transfer window.

Lavia, who was discovered by Manchester City while playing in the KDB Cup in Belgium and signed to Anderlecht’s youth team, is well regarded in the north and considered high-potential enough to play for the Citizens.

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