Romeo Lavia has once again been left out of Southampton’s matchday squad for their Championship clash against Norwich City amid ongoing speculation about his future.

Premier League Leeds United v Southampton Romeo Lavia 45 of Southampton during the Premier League match Leeds United vs Southampton at Elland Road, Leeds, United Kingdom, 25th February 2023 Photo by James Heaton/News Images Leeds Elland Road West Yorkshire United Kingdom Copyright: xJamesxHeaton/NewsxImagesx

Liverpool have had multiple bids rejected by the Saints for the 19-year-old midfielder with the latest worth £46m.

Chelsea are reportedly close to reaching an agreement with the South Coast club for the signing of Lavia and are ready to offer £52m plus £3m in add-ons, however, the Belgium U-21 international wants to move to Anfield.

He is yet to feature for Southampton this season amid interest from the Reds and the West Londoners. He missed the Saints Championship opener and League Cup defeat to Gillingham in midweek.

“It’s not easy but he trained really well today. He’s not had enough minutes in pre-season,” Southampton boss Russell Martin told reporters.

“I don’t think I’d ask him to start a game after the minutes he has had and everything that is going on. In these situations, you think back to yourself as a 19-year-old.

“How would you cope with that? He’s been great, some days much better than others but there has been so much noise and he is a really top lad and really top player.

“The Romeo situation has been really fluid throughout and other things may happen in the market that influence the situation, we have no control over that.

“Romeo is getting fitter and fitter and trained really well, whether he will be in the squad or not I just don’t know and I can’t give you an answer.”

Lavia moved to the St Mary’s Stadium last summer from Manchester City and has four years left on his contract, therefore, Russell Martin’s outfit are under no pressure to sell.

Pep Guardiola’s outfit are entitled to 20 percent of any fee received for his services.

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