Southampton boss Russell Martin has admitted he is unsure of Romeo Lavia’s future amid reports of a £37m offer from Liverpool.
It has been claimed by The Athletic that the Reds have launched a bid for the Belgian, which was rejected by the South Coast club, as Jurgen Klopp continues his search for midfield reinforcements.
Lavia is a priority target for Liverpool amid Jordan Henderson’s looming exit and Fabinho’s expected departure, though it is understood the Saints are seeking a £50m figure for their prized asset. The midfielder signed for Southampton ahead of last season and caught the eye despite being part of a side that suffered relegation from the Premier League.
The teenager was named in Martin’s starting XI to take on Bournemouth at St Mary’s last night despite growing speculation over his future and the Saints manager made clear after the friendly persistent transfer talk is doing his team no favours.
“The transfer window should close before the start of the season – it’s ridiculous in my opinion and certainly not helpful,” he told the Southern Daily Echo.
“We’re a club that has been relegated and has a lot of talent that people are attracted to, but we’ll prepare as if they will be here because we have to. There’s no guarantee that anyone will leave, it’s a lot of work with 27 players or whatever but we’ll give everyone a chance to get on the pitch.
“I thought Romeo, considering what’s going on, to play tonight and do all that stuff, it was good for him to get on the pitch as he has not had the minutes other people have had.
“You can ask for an update, but I can’t give you one because I don’t know. I’m going to speak to Jason (Wilcox, director of football) now but I’ve been preparing for this game. I’ll only ever be honest with you guys but I’m yet to find out.”
Pushed further on how Lavia, who was withdrawn at half-time, is coping with rumours over his next step in football, Martin told BBC Radio Solent: “Romeo has a lot in his head.”
The Saints have also seen interested registered in Tino Livramento and James Ward-Prowse, both of whom have been the subject of bids from Premier League clubs.
