Southampton boss Russell Martin has broke the transfer silence over the future of Romeo Lavia amid interest from Liverpool.
The Saints have rejected Liverpool’s first offer which was valued at £37million.
David Ornstein had reported that Liverpool are set to return with a improved offer, closer in value to the £50m package that Southampton are expecting.
This comes as they prepare to confirm Jordan Henderson’s move to Saudi Arabia.
Despite the offer, Lavia played as Southampton faced Bournemouth on Tuesday night.
The midfielder was subbed off at half time with the Saints going on to lose 3-2 to their south coast rivals.
Martin slams transfer window
Saints boss Martin has insisted that his man could still stay, as he is yet to speak with the club chiefs.
As reported in Liverpool World, Martin said: “The transfer window should close before the start of the season – it’s ridiculous in my opinion and certainly not helpful.
“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.”
Clearly Martin isn’t convinced Lavia will leave and wants the transfer window done with already.
He concluded by praising Lavia for getting his head down and continuing to work hard despite the rumours.
“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.”