Southampton manager Russell Martin has confirmed that Liverpool target Romeo Lavia is closing in on a transfer away from the club
Russell Martin has admitted Romeo Lavia is closing in on a Southampton exit after the midfielder was left out of the Saints’ matchday squad on Saturday.
The 19-year-old is yet to play this season, having been an unused substitute on the opening day of the campaign against Sheffield Wednesday. Left out of the Southampton matchday squad entirely for their shock League Cup defeat to Gillingham in midweek, he was again absent for the Saints’ 4-4 draw with Norwich City.
Liverpool have had three bids rejected for the Belgium international, with Southampton snubbing their latest offer of £46m on Monday. Since then, Chelsea have had a £48m bid also knocked back by the Saints, but they are now reportedly closing in on a deal worth £52m and £3m in add-ons.
However, the situation is complicated by the Reds’ club-record £110m bid for Moises Caicedo. Chelsea reportedly intend to offer more, with the player said to prefer a move to Stamford Bridge, but such a bid has not yet been forthcoming. As a result, the futures of both players remain uncertain.
And Martin has confirmed that Lavia wasn’t involved against Norwich as a result of the impact of the ongoing speculation regarding his future.
