Manchester United and Chelsea are interested in Southampton midfielder Romeo Lavia.

Lavia, 19, has enjoyed a breakout season at Southampton following his £14million arrival from Manchester City last summer.

Despite only arriving at St Mary's six months ago the midfielder is already being linked with a move away.

Belgian journalist Sacha Tavolieri has said United and Chelsea are leading the race for the 19-year-old's signature.

Tavolieri adds that Manchester City remain in the race due to having a buy back clause inserted in the contract when they sold Lavia.

Chelsea are in the market as they search for a defensive midfielder which will allow Enzo Fernandez to operate higher up the pitch.

Despite heavy investment from owner Todd Boehly the Blues don't have a holding midfielder amongst their ranks following the departure of Jorginho to rivals Arsenal.

Alongside Lavia, Graham Potter's side have also been linked with moves for West Ham's Declan Rice and Borussia Monchengladbach's Manu Kone.

For United the Southampton man doesn't represent their first choice option.

Erik ten Hag wants to pursue a deal for Barcelona's Frenkie de Jong who the Red Devils were heavily linked with last summer.