By Fraser Fletcher, Transfer Correspondent

30th May, 2023 | 8:00pm

Sources: Liverpool in four-way race to sign Romeo Lavia

The race for Romeo Lavia is heating up as multiple top Premier League clubs including Liverpool chase the Southampton star’s signature, sources have told Football Insider.

The midfielder, 19, has interest across Europe and is fast becoming one of the hottest properties of the upcoming window as he prepares to leave relegated Southampton along with a host of their leading stars.

Man City have a buy-back clause worth £40million for Lavia, who left the Etihad Stadium for the Saints last summer (2022).

That option becomes active next summer (2024).

However, the Premier League champions have been highly impressed with his progress and are considering making an early move for him in a bid to prevent their rivals from stealing him away.

Meanwhile, Chelsea have sounded out the possibility of a summer deal and they have already made some early moves for the 19-year-old.

Mauricio Pochettino will join up with Chelsea in time for next season and although he hasn’t officially started – he has marked Lavia as a player he is a huge fan of.

Liverpool also hold an interest in Lavia but have not yet made any official moves for the midfielder yet despite Jurgen Klopp’s willingness to add multiple midfielders.

Mikel Arteta is also a big fan of the Belgium International and also hopes to add to his midfield options at Arsenal as they prepare for an assault on the Premier League and Champions League in the 2023-24 campaign.

The Gunners have sounded out the possibility of a deal, but are still keen to land other targets such as Declan Rice and long-term favourite Moises Caicedo.

Lavia played a total of 2536 minutes over 35 games for Southampton this season.

He was also called up to represent the Belgian international team and grabbed his first senior cap for the Red Devils in March.

In other news, Man United now confident they will beat Liverpool to Mason Mount deal