Romeo Lavia feature for Southampton in their Championship opener this Friday, according to manager Russell Martin.
Liverpool have been in talks with the Saints over a deal for Lavia for some time, with the Reds identifying the 19-year-old Belgian as their number one target to replace Fabinho.
Jurgen Klopp’s side have seen bids of £38m and £41m, including add-ons, rejected by the Championship side, who are holding out for £50m, amid supposed interest from Chelsea and Manchester United among others.
One report has claimed that Liverpool are ready to submit a third and final bid to sign Lavia. However, time is running out until the start of the Premier League season on 13 August.
Meanwhile, Southampton manager Martin has insisted that Lavia will be a part of the team to play Sheffield Wednesday in the season opener on Friday night.
However he refused to be drawn on whether Lavia – or West Ham target James Ward-Prowse – would still be at the club by the end of the transfer window.
