Manchester City are reportedly considering re-signing Southampton midfielder Romeo Lavia in the summer transfer window, with fierce rivals Manchester United also interested in the player.
Lavia was sold to St Mary's from the Etihad before the start of this current season for a reported fee of £14m, with the youngster looking to develop with regular gametime away from the Citizens.
The 19-year-old Belgian has featured 16 times in the Premier League for Southampton so far this campaign, contributing one goal and being a regular fixture in a side that are looking to avoid relegation to the Championship.
According to Football Insider, Manchester City hold the advantage in securing the player's services for next season if the Saints are relegated, with Pep Guardiola's side open to exploring Lavia's City return if Ilkay Gundogan departs in the summer.
The report also suggests that the Citizens have a buy-back clause in the deal that sent Lavia to the South Coast in July, and that the current Premier League champions could trigger that stipulation for £40m.
Ruben Selles's men are currently 19th in the Premier League standings and are still in real danger of finishing in the bottom three despite a 1-0 success over Leicester City on Saturday evening - a win which was only the Saints' sixth of the league campaign.
Lavia is said to be focused on football despite rumours of potential suitors - the midfielder will travel with Southampton to Old Trafford on Sunday afternoon to face Manchester United - another side reportedly credited with an interest in his signature. body check tags ::
