Newcastle interested in ‘very special’ 19-year-old who’s just been relegated

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Multiple players who have just been relegated from the Premier League are on Newcastle United’s radar heading into the summer transfer window, and a new option has just emerged.

Eddie Howe is looking to sign a defensive midfielder ahead of next season, and the Magpies have been linked with signing Southampton captain James Ward-Prowse. Now his teammate Romeo Lavia is reportedly a target too.

Newcastle interested in Romeo Lavia

According to the Telegraph, Lavia is on Newcastle’s list of midfield targets alongside the likes of Khephren Thuram and Moises Caicedo.

Lavia looks likely to be on the move, having excelled in what was his first season of Premier League football. Southampton signed him from Manchester City last summer, and the 19-year-old was really impressive despite boasting no prior senior experience before joining the Saints.

While Southampton finished bottom of the league, Lavia’s performances on the south coast have turned a lot of heads.

It now looks like he has caught Newcastle’s attention, with the Magpies looking to sign someone who can play the number six role. That would allow Bruno Guimaraes to move higher up the pitch where he is more effective.

Lavia has previously been called ‘very special‘ by Jadon Sancho, and that was evident when the Belgian played at St James’ Park back in April.

While Newcastle beat the Saints 3-1 on that day, Lavia was massively impressive in the middle of the park. He caused Bruno real problems, and actually helped give Southampton the lead with his aggressive pressing.

The teenager looks like the real deal, and has taken inspiration from world class defensive midfielders like Sergio Busquets and Fernandinho. If he can become half as good as they were then he will be a major talent, and a player that Newcastle could really benefit from.

Of course, he is still raw given his age, but he could prove to be a really smart addition if Howe and co decide to make a move for the recently relegated midfielder.