Southampton manager Russell Martin has hit out at the ‘ridiculous’ situation the club find themselves in as Premier League giants Liverpool submit a £40 million bid for midfielder Romeo Lavia.
With the Saints and the Reds currently around £10 million apart in their valuation of the Belgium international, there is a very real chance that Romeo Lavia will still be a Southampton player when Martin’s side kick off the new Championship campaign away to Sheffield Wednesday on August 4th.
And while some will see the positive side of that – Lavia’s presence at the heart of Martin’s midfield could help Southampton get off to a strong start – the other train of thought is that going into a new campaign with the future of your star players up in the air is a distraction any manager could do without.
Liverpool make £40m Romeo Lavia offer
“The transfer window should close before the start of the season,” Martin argues; speaking to the Daily Echo after Lavia played an impressive 45 minutes during Tuesday’s 3-2 pre-season defeat to South Coast neighbours Bournemouth.
“It’s ridiculous in my opinion and certainly not helpful.”
“Considering what’s going on, (for Lavia) to play tonight and do all that stuff, it was good for him to get on the pitch. He has not had the minutes other people have had.
“You can ask for an update. But I can’t give you one because I don’t know.”
According to Sky Sports, Liverpool are expected to return with an improved offer for the one-time Manchester City starlet. There is also interest from Chelsea. Though Arsenal and Manchester United appear to have backed out of contention following the signing of Declan Rice and the emergence of Kobbie Mainoo.
Martin is also being forced to contend with speculation surrounding skipper James Ward-Prowse.
West Ham United, according to the Daily Mail, have offered £25 million. Southampton are holding out for more, however. Should their asking prices be met, the Saints could bring in nearly £100 million for two midfield talents.
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