NEXT GEMS: Romeo Lavia, The Next Defensive Midfield Maestro?

Belgian International & midfield star is drawing interest from the Premier League's elite as Arsenal & Liverpool eye his signature after debut season in England's top flight.

The 19-year-old signed for Southampton only last summer & shone during a turbulent & dismal relegation campaign for the South-Coast side.

Lavia led his Anderlecht side to the title in the third year of the competition's history. What a year to win it too as Kevin De Bruyne's coach, Pep Guardiola, was in attendance as a guest of honour. 

The Belgian talent clearly impressed the City coach as his side beat European giants Dortmund, PSG & Chelsea on their way to the trophy. After the Spaniard's personal scouting mission, Lavia signed for City's academy & joined fellow Belgian, De Bruyne.

It wasn't just last season the youngster impressed ahead of his peers as it seems it's been the norm for him throughout his young career. He joined the impressive Anderlecht academy at the age of 8 & became a key player in their underage sides, always performing in the older age groups throughout.

His so-called breakthrough came during his side's participation in the KDB Cup - an international U15 youth tournament hosted in Kevin De Bruyne's hometown of Drongen.

Lavia joined the U18's at first but after only 11 games was promoted to the U23's where he was pivotal to their success. In his first year, City's U23 side would go on to win the Premier League 2 by 14 points ahead of Chelsea & Lavia named Player of the Season.

Romeo has spoken of his idols within the game being Sergio Busquets & former teammate, Fernandinho. Who better to be managed by than a coach who was crucial to how both defensive midfielders played the game.

"Those two have dominated the game a lot as defensive midfielders. I've looked at them a lot" said the youngster.

"Fernandinho knows what he's doing - he doesn't run just to run. He's like the brain of the team."

However, the teenager was keen to impress and develop getting consistent first team football at the highest level - which was unlikely in a dominating City force behind the likes of Rodri.

He signed for Southampton for only £10m from City's academy. After only a few months the Belgian instantly became a fan favourite & a poster boy for the relegation battling side.

Making 35 appearances in all comps for Southampton in his debut season showed how crucial he was, despite multiple managerial changes.

Following Southampton's relegation many top clubs are circling for his signature again this season. Arsenal & Liverpool are two that have bid for the young midfielder amidst other keen onlookers.

It looks increasingly likely that he will end up in Merseyside by the end of the window this summer. Liverpool have tabled multiple bids for him, most recently rumoured to be offering £45m - £5m under what Southampton are reportedly holding out for.

The versatile defensive midfielder would be a perfect option for Liverpool as Jurgen Klopp looks set to complete a rebuild of his midfield. Lavia would be joining new signings: Alexis Mac Allister & Dominik Szoboszlai in the middle of the park. The Belgian would be the anchor of the midfield replacing Fabinho after his recent move to Al Ittihad in the Saudi Pro League.