By Joe Ellis

3rd Jul, 2022 | 4:39pm

Romeo Lavia makes transfer decision but Leeds United won't mind

Leeds United appear to have missed out on the chance to sign Romeo Lavia as he nears a move to Southampton, according to Fabrizio Romano.

The 18-year-old is highly thought of at Manchester City but the Citizens have decided to sell him to the Saints for a fee of around £10million, although they have added in a buy-back clause should they wish to activate it.

The Athletic reported on 16 June that Leeds United were the main competitors to Ralph Hasenhuttl’s side in the race to sign the Belgian but they appear to have lost this particular race.

“Southampton have now reached full agreement with Man City to sign Romeo Lavia on a permanent deal,” Romano said on Twitter. “Fee will be around £10m, clubs in contact to finalise the deal.

“Manchester City will include a buy-back clause for Romeo Lavia, who’s considered a top talent.”

Perhaps Lavia could one day be a top player in the Premier League but let’s not get all upset that this unproven teenager has joined a different club right now.

If he does go on to score against us for Southampton then we can all look back in hindsight and curse but Jesse Marsch has already made two very good midfield signings in Brenden Aaronson and Marc Roca.

We can’t spend every penny we have to our name on the midfield when we have other priorities that need to be addressed in the squad this summer.

A new striker to rival Patrick Bamford, if he is ever fit to play, and perhaps more defensive reinforcements are all necessary before the season kicks off at home to Wolves.

Lavia was unlikely to make it into our first team anyway this season with the inferior Saints obviously wanting him to play in their midfield this time which says everything we need to know about the calibre of the two clubs.

In other Leeds United news, a surprise second chance could be coming the way of this attacker who scored zero goals last season.