Championship boss admits that there is transfer noise around major Liverpool summer target

Southampton boss Russell Martin admits to transfer noise around Liverpool target Romeo Lavia

As per quotes in Daily Echo, Southampton boss Russell Martin admits that there is transfer noise around Liverpool target Romeo Lavia.

Lavia played the first half of the Saints’ pre-season game against Bournemouth and was subbed off with no injury. Sky broadcaster James Green tweeted that the young Belgian looked disinterested in the game. He often had his head down and walked around in certain situations. It kind of means that he was trying his best to avoid any injury.

Earlier in the day, the Athletic (subscription required) revealed

that Southampton have rejected an opening offer by Liverpool for the 19-year-old. The keyword here is ‘opening’. It seems like the Reds will come back with a better bid as personal terms won’t be an issue with the player keen on moving.

Here’s what Martin said about Lavia after the game (h/t Daily Echo):

“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.

“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.”

It is imperative for Liverpool to get this deal over the line very soon. We are only 17 days away from the start of the Premier League season.

If the Reds sign Lavia before their next pre-season game, which is against Leicester City in Singapore on Sunday, the player will have a chance to have a pre-season camp in Asia with his new teammates and understand the system before coming back with them to start the season.

Let’s see what Jurgen Klopp and his team have in store. The boss generally likes signings done early in the pre-season. With that not a possibility anymore, making it as soon as possible is key.

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Lavia was exceptional for Southampton in his first season in the Premier League last time around. Although the Saints got relegated, the Belgian was hands down their best player. He would add great quality to the Liverpool midfield.