Only one year after acquiring star midfielder Romeo Lavia from Manchester City, Southampton is ready to let him go this summer, according to 90min.
After only two professional games for Man City at the time of his transfer to the Saints, the then-18-year-old has since developed into one of the Premier League's brightest young stars.
On the south coast, Lavia made such a strong first impression that Chelsea put in a late offer to sign him during the same summer transfer window that he joined Southampton. This strategy was rejected.
Despite Lavia's advancement, Southampton, who are now at the bottom of the Premier League standings with only 23 points after 31 games, are stuck in a dire relegation struggle.
The likelihood of Southampton playing in the Championship the next season is increasing, and Lavia is one of the high-profile players projected to quit the team.
According to sources, Manchester City has a £40 million buy-back option on Lavia that takes effect in 2024. In order to maximize his value, Southampton is eager to work with him this summer for a potential higher price.
Despite already having a large number of midfielders on their roster, Chelsea is prepared to rekindle their interest in Lavia. The league-leading Arsenal also sees him as a Declan Rice substitute.
Lavia is admired by both Manchester United and Newcastle United, although they are hesitant to add him to their present rosters because of his relative inexperience.
Lavia made his international debut for Belgium in the month of March, playing the final 10 minutes of their 3-2 victory over Germany off the bench.
According to 90min, James Ward-Prowse is prepared to quit Southampton this summer as the team is in danger of being demoted from the Premier League.
With just 23 points from 31 games, the Saints are at the bottom of the standings and are four points from a playoff spot after winning just one of their previous eight league contests.
Relegation to the Championship is not guaranteed, but it is a possibility that is becoming more and more likely each week.
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