Leeds United

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Leeds ask Man City for talented teen midfielder as Kalvin Phillips transfer chase heats

Romeo Lavia, Manchester City midfielder, during Carabao Cup clash against Wycombe at Etihad Stadium

Leeds United are widely reported to have asked Manchester City for Belgium Under-21 international Romeo Lavia amid swirling speculation over the future of Kalvin Phillips.

The talismanic Leeds midfielder is a hero on the terraces of his hometown club having risen through the ranks. With Marcelo Bielsa converting Phillips into a holding midfielder, Phillips is now a regular in the England squad with 23 caps to his name.

However, his time at Elland Road appears to be drawing to a close amid growing rumours of a move to City. They are reportedly planning to make an opening offer to prise him away from Leeds, amid talk a £45m-£50m fee could secure his signature.

With two years left on his deal, Leeds know their last chance to secure a big fee for the star will be this summer. And Thursday’s Transfer Gossip claims Phillips has now informed the Whites that he wants to move on.

Leeds know they will have a sizeable gap to fill if and when Phillips departs. Leeds boast a far stronger record with Phillips in their side, though he missed a big chunk of last season with a serious hamstring injury.

United, though, are determined to strengthen their midfield options and a deal for Bayern Munich’s Marc Roca is edging closer. The Spaniard’s medical is slotted in for Friday and the former Espanyol man may be unveiled as their third signing of the summer later that day.

Roca, however, is not seen as a direct replacement for Phillips. Indeed, were the England man to leave, Leeds would also seek the signing of another player for their midfield.

To that end, reports on Wednesday suggested they were considering an approach for RB Leipzig’s Tyler Adams.

According to The Athletic, Leeds are also vying to sign City teenager Lavia.

Romeo Lavia would be a smart signing for Leeds

The 18-year-old is tipped as the next big thing to emerge through City’s academy. And he already has a Belgium Under-21 cap to his name.

He was in and around Pep Guardiola’s first-team squad last season, featuring in the Carabao Cup clash with Wycombe.

Per the report, both Leeds United and Southampton have made enquiries with City over a prospective deal.

However, according to the report, he is highly-rated by Guardiola. As such, there is a serious reluctance from the City boss to allow Lavia to depart.

That said, Leeds may reportedly insist on including Lavia as part of the deal that takes Phillips to City.

Kalvin Phillips tells Leeds he wants to leave for Man City

Kalvin Phillips tells Leeds he wants to leave for Man City

Kalvin Phillips has told Leeds United he wants to leave the club and is ready to join Manchester City

And that it seems will give them the edge over Southampton in the negotiations.

The holding midfielder may not be quite first-team ready yet for Leeds. However, they could secure a player who boasts enormous potential if he develops in the way City expect.

They do not want to lose him for a reason. But if it helps City in their quest to land City, the Blues could relent and allow Lavia to leave.

Meanwhile, we understand Leeds retain an interest in Adama Traore amid claims Wolves will lower his asking price.