Manchester United could explore a surprise deal for Chelsea midfielder Romeo Lavia in January, journalist Miguel Delaney has suggested.
The Old Trafford side failed to sign a new midfielder in the closing stages of the summer transfer window, with their pursuit of Brighton starlet Carlos Baleba falling through.
United were put off by Brighton’s hefty demands for the 21-year-old midfielder, valued at around £120m, and decided not to pursue an alternative.
The Red Devils instead opted to sign goalkeeper Senne Lammens from Royal Antwerp on deadline day and may resume their efforts to sign a new midfielder in January when the market reopens.
Delaney claims that while he expects United to renew their interest in Baleba at the turn of the year, there are also suggestions a surprise deal could be explored for Lavia, who has not previously been linked with the Red Devils.
Man Utd Could Move for Romeo Lavia
romeo lavia
Delaney, writing in his Inside Football newsletter, revealed that there are indications behind the scenes that Man United could move for Lavia in the January transfer window:
“The end of the window of course means the start of speculation for January, mostly due to the business that didn’t get done.
“Manchester United still want a midfielder. Expect United to go back in for Brighton’s Carlos Baleba, although some insiders have wondered whether a deal could be done for Chelsea’s Romeo Lavia.”
Lavia, who joined Chelsea from Southampton for £58m in August 2023, endured two injury-hit seasons at Stamford Bridge, making just 17 Premier League appearances, 11 of which were starts.
The one-cap Belgium international has not played for Chelsea since their Club World Cup last-16 win over Benfica in June, having struggled with a muscle injury, with his return expected following the international break.
If he were to join United, Lavia would become only the fourth senior player to move from Stamford Bridge to Old Trafford this century, alongside Nemanja Matic, Juan Mata and Mason Mount.
Man United have spent over £210m on new signings during the summer window, with Lammens, Matheus Cunha, Bryan Mbeumo, Benjamin Sesko and Diego Leon joining.
Regarding departures, Alejandro Garnacho and Antony left permanently, while Rasmus Hojlund, Marcus Rashford and Jadon Sancho moved out on loan.
United sit ninth in the Premier League after three games and resume their season with a trip to Manchester City on 14 September.
Sign up toThe GIVEMESPORT Reportto get exclusive daily updates from Fabrizio Romano, Ben Jacobs, Dean Jones and Tom Bogert sent straight to your inbox.