Manchester United met with the father of Southampton star Romeo Lavia earlier this month, it has been reported.
Lavia has been a shining light in an otherwise dismal season at St Mary's, the 19-year-old a standout performer in central midfield since joining from Manchester City for around £14million last summer. Pep Guardiola's side have an option to buy the teenager back for £40million, but that clause does not become active until 2024 which could force any interested parties to act swiftly this summer.
And according to Belgian journalist Sacha Tavolieri, one of those sides seems to be United, with the Belgian's father reportedly meeting representatives of the club. Erik ten Hag is expected to prioritise a central midfielder this summer and could be forced to look past Frenkie De Jong, who recently made clear his desire to stay stat Barcelona.
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Southampton will hope to keep their midfielder and have him tied down to a deal until 2027, but with Ruben Selles' side in deep relegation trouble - they are currently bottom - a drop to the Championship could force their hand and weaken their negotiating stance.
Elsewhere, Football Insider reports that United have sent scouts to watch Brighton star Everton Ferguson in recent weeks as they explore a potential summer move for the young striker.
Ferguson has enjoyed a breakout season on the south coast, the 18-year-old netting three times in 10 Premier League appearances for Roberto De Zerbi's side - the teenager also netted twice in a 5-0 FA Cup win over Grimsby Town.
Such form has caught the eye of England's top sides and Brighton are preparing themselves for a summer of heavy interest, tying the forward down to a four-year deal in October.
But that will not fend off the likes of United, who see Ferguson as one of the most promising young forwards in the game. Ten Hag is expected to go all out for a world-class goalscorer come June but may well add a young and promising talent to his ranks.
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