Southampton boss gives update after Liverpool handed Romeo Lavia transfer boost
Romeo Lavia was left out of Southampton’s squad for their League Cup defeat to Gillingham
Southampton manager Russell Martin has refused to rule out the sale of Romeo Lavia and other players – just days after Liverpool saw a third bid rejected for the midfielder.
The Reds view the 19-year-old as a long-term replacement for Fabinho, who ended his five-year stay at Anfield earlier this summer after completing a £40m move to Saudi Pro League champions Al-Ittihad.
As a result of the Brazilian’s departure, Liverpool have upped their pursuit of the Belgium international but have seen three offers rejected so far, with the latest – in the region of £46m – being swiftly turned down on Monday afternoon.
However, in a potential boost for the Reds, Lavia was not included in Southampton’s squad for their League Cup defeat at Gillingham on Tuesday night, with the 19-year-old midfielder still being eyed as a third midfield addition of the summer for Liverpool.
Asked about the youngster’s absence after the defeat at the Preistfield Stadium, Martin refused to be drawn directly on Lavia’s situation – but admitted there “needs to be” player movement between now and September’s transfer deadline despite Southampton refusing to budge on their £50m valuation.
“We have a big group, but only so many players that can help us,” Martin told BBC Radio Solent.
“There needs to be movement for sure. [Director of football] Jason [Wilcox] has been very honest about it, and he feels exactly the same way, and so do the ownership group.
“But also, there needs to be movement that suits us as a club. I don’t envisage anything changing between now and the weekend, but it’s football, right, so anything can happen.
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“We’ll be prepared for everything and anything. The guys we left behind today isn’t out of lack of respect for the competition or anything like that.”
He added: “It’s about we need to see everyone out on the pitch at some point because we might need people.
“Some people we think might go might end up staying, and some people we think are gonna stay might end up going. It’s so fluid.”
