Pep Guardiola speaks out on ‘incredible’ Man Utd and Chelsea target

Lavia, 19, was one of a clutch of City youngsters to join Saints during the summer transfer window with the Belgian midfielder enjoying a fine campaign despite his side’s struggles.

Southampton sit rock bottom of the Premier League with nine games remaining with the club likely to face a fight to hold onto one of their prized assets should they go down.

A host of clubs are circling with United, Chelsea and Arsenal ready to pounce in the summer.

City head to the south coast to take on Ruben Selles’ side on Saturday evening with Guardiola hailing Lavia’s development at a press conference on Friday.

The Manchester club reportedly have an option to buy the youngster back for £40million, although that clause is said to only become active in 2024.

With clubs circling, Guardiola has suggested City are keeping a very close eye on their former youngster.

‘I am really impressed with what Romeo has done and is doing,” declared the City boss, Guardiola said.

‘We had, and we have, an incredible opinion about him. We thought to keep him, but maybe he would not (get) enough minutes like he has in Southampton.’

‘I don’t read it because I just don’t think about it. I just enjoy my football and focus on what we have to do as a club,’ Lavia told Sky Sports.

‘Whatever is outside, it is not what I can control, so I don’t pay attention to that. Football, with how it goes, it goes so fast.

‘One moment you can be in the headlines and the next, you’re not. So the only thing to do is just be neutral, don’t think about it and get your head down and work.’

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