Romeo Lavia, a target for Liverpool, is not included in Southampton’s lineup for their Carabao Cup first-round match against Gillingham.
Three offers from Liverpool have been turned down by the Saints for the 19-year-old Belgian, with the most recent offer coming in at around £46 million. Russell Martin’s team is adamant that they are worth £50 million.
Jordan Henderson and Fabinho’s recent exits have compelled Jurgen Klopp to take action, and negotiations between the two teams are still in progress. Before a second offer of £42 million was rejected, the first bid of £34 million plus £4 million in add-ons was turned down.
The former Anderlecht and Manchester City prospect was reportedly not going to the Priestfield Stadium, according to reports that surfaced on Monday.
Lavia, who was a substitute for Friday’s Championship opener against Sheffield Wednesday, was not present for Southampton, as was to be expected when team news from Kent arrived.
Lyanco and Che Adams, whose futures at St. Mary’s have come under growing scrutiny, both start against the League Two team.
Martin stated following the team’s victory over the Owls: “Of course, there will be people going, and when they do go, ideally we will be able to add to the group with players who suit us and will improve the group.
“But the transfer window is chaotic. Fortunately, we have [director of football] Jason Wilcox who is in charge of that and has been amazing since we came in, keeping abreast of everything, really open and honest with the ownership group as well.
“The squad will change throughout the course of the following four weeks. That is simply a component of football.
The transfer window should close tonight, ideally! Every management would want them, so we could get to work.
“It will appear much differently. It is up to us to ensure that, despite the changes that will occur over the next four weeks, we are just as strong as we are right now.