Romeo Lavia: Southampton manager speaks out, second bid ready

Southampton manager Russell Martin has addressed the situation surrounding the future of Liverpool-linked Romeo Lavia.

The Reds saw a bid of £37m rejected by Southampton for Lavia this week, with the 19-year-old now the primary target to succeed Fabinho at Anfield.

It is reported that Liverpool will return with a second offer, as Southampton hold out for close to their £50m valuation.

On Tuesday evening, Lavia played the first half of the Saints' pre-season encounter with Bournemouth at St. Mary's Stadium, where manager Martin faced questions about his player's future.

In quotes via the Daily Echo, Martin suggested the interest from Liverpool has had an effect on Lavia.

“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," he said.

“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) 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."

Martin also insisted there is 'no guarantee' any player will leave the club this summer.

“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," he said.

“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.

Meanwhile, Sky Sports reporter James Green described Lavia as looking "decidedly uninterested" in his first-half appearance at St. Mary's, adding that he "looked like a player wanting a move away".

Belgian transfer reporter Sacha Tavolieri claims that Liverpool are confident in their pursuit of Lavia, with talks to continue this week.

READ MORE: Romeo Lavia — what Southampton's transition killer would bring to Liverpool

In contrast to the £50m valuation reported elsewhere, Tavolieri claims the Saints want "a fixed fee of £40m", which is comparable to the buyback clause Manchester City negotiated in his sale a year ago.

On Tuesday, the Mail reported that Southampton are 'braced' for a rival bid from Chelsea who are also interested in the Belgium international.

Whether Fabinho's transfer situation has any effect on Liverpool's pursuit of Lavia is unclear.

The young Belgian was expected to replace Fabinho, after the Brazilian's £40m move to Saudi Pro League side Al-Ittihad was completed. However, that deal is now in 'jeopardy' as talks have stalled.

Fabinho is now expected to return to Liverpool pre-season training, having been left out of the squad's trip to Germany last week.