Anderlecht youngster Roméo Lavia is close to joining Manchester City, according to Het Laatste Nieuws.
The 16-year-old can operate as a defensive midfielder and can also play in the heart of the back four.
Apart from City, Manchester United scouts have been impressed by the teenager and Liverpool also showed ‘profound interest’ in him.
The Red Devils and the Merseyside club will not be able to land him because ‘everything indicates’ Lavia will join the English champions.
Manchester City have an advantage in signing him because the ‘top talent’ has decided not to sign a contract with the Jupiler Pro League side.
It’s claimed the two parties ‘sat around the table’ a few times. Anderlecht’s idea was to offer Lavia a long-term contract, but the ‘call from England’ and the financial offer has convinced him to not extend his stay.
If Lavia completes a move to City, he is likely to be part of their academy. HLN add the young player’s impending exit is a ‘blow’ for Anderlecht.
Belgium youth coach Bob Browaeys has stressed Lavia’s development in the centre-back position will largely depend on his future coaches.
“I see Roméo staying central and not moving on the flank… Roméo defends well, plays cleanly and likes to infiltrate,” Browaeys said.
