According to The Athletic’s Sam Lee, with the potential arrival of Kalvin Phillips, Premier League interest in Manchester City gem Romeo Lavia could see to the youngster depart this summer.

The Lowdown: City’s interest in Phillips

The Athletic have reported that Man City are soon expected to make Leeds an offer for Phillips, with the champions visualising an agreement in the region of £45m - £50m.

This follows the departure of Citizens legend Fernandinho, who will leave the Etihad at the end of the month upon the expiry of his contract, after spending nine years as a Blue.

As such, the 26-year-old Leeds man has been identified as Pep Guardiola's preferred replacement.

The Latest: Lavia out?

According to Lee, Southampton and Leeds are interested in signing Lavia this summer.

He claims that despite how highly rated the 18-year-old is, a move away from City could happen during the current window – especially if it helps with Guardiola’s push to sign Phillips.

Taking to Twitter, Lee reported:

“Leeds and Southampton are interested in Romeo Lavia this summer and - despite how highly rated he is - a move could happen, especially if it helps with signing Kalvin Phillips.”

The Verdict: Huge potential…

As per The Athletic, Lavia is very well regarded at City, and some at the club believe that he will one day be at the level required to become a mainstay in the first team.

At just 18-years-old, the holding midfielder made his senior debut for Guardiola’s side in last season’s Carabao Cup against Wycombe Wanderers, before also featuring in the FA Cup.

Having been tipped as one of the academy’s brightest prospects, Lavia’s departure will be a big loss to City, given his huge potential, and they will surely be looking to insert some form of buy-back clause or first option on any future movement.

In other news: Raheem Sterling could be tempted by ‘fresh challenge’