Manchester City are 'keeping an eye on' Romeo Lavia for a potential summer transfer swoop and have a buy-back clause over the likes of Manchester United, according to journalist Pete O'Rourke.

The Lowdown: Lavia impressing

Pep Guardiola allowed Lavia to leave in the previous summer transfer window, with the central midfielder joining Southampton on a five-year contract, and he has since gone on to establish himself as an important player on the South Coast.

The 19-year-old has started in each of the Saints' last nine games, having forced his way back into the team since recovering from a hamstring injury, and he could now be set for a swift return to Man City, perhaps replacing either Rodri or Ilkay Gundogan, who have both been linked with exits.

The Latest: O'Rourke's update

Speaking to GiveMeSport about the youngster's future, O'Rourke said: “I believe they do have a buy-back option in his contract from when they sold him to Southampton, so that would give them first refusal on any potential deal for Romeo Lavia.

“It's one they'll be keeping an eye on, he has been with a number of top clubs, the likes of Arsenal, Chelsea, and Manchester United have all been linked to him as well. And if Southampton do go down, I think they'll face a real fight to keep hold of him.”

The Verdict: Get it d0ne?

Lauded as a 'special talent' by former Southampton boss Nathan Jones, the starlet has already proven he has what it takes to perform at Premier League level, and so City should undoubtedly look to use their buy-back clause.

The Belgian particularly specialises in the defensive side of the game, ranking in the 96th percentile for blocks per 90 over the past year compared to his positional peers, indicating he could be a viable long-term replacement for Rodri, if the Spaniard leaves the club.

With an average Sofascore rating of 6.84, the maestro is ranked as the second-best performing Southampton midfielder in the Premier League, behind only captain James Ward-Prowse, which is a stellar effort considering he is only 19-years-old.

Guardiola was wise to let Lavia leave in order to gain first-team experience, but the time is right to bring him back to the Etihad Stadium.