Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola has praised Southampton midfielder Romeo Lavia ahead of today's trip to St Mary's.

After a move worth over £10million last summer, City retain a buy-back clause said to be valued at £40million – but it does not activate until 2024.

Guardiola admits City were reluctant to sell Lavia.

He said: "I'm really impressed with what Romeo has done and is doing.

“We have an incredible opinion of him. We thought to keep him, but thought we couldn't give him enough minutes like he has at Southampton."