“Latest news is very public” – Championship boss speaks on 19-year-old Chelsea target’s future

Russell Martin speaks on Chelsea and Liverpool target Romeo Lavia’s Southampton future

Chelsea and Liverpool are two teams that have been linked with a move for Southampton midfielder Romeo Lavia.

The Saints manager, Russell Martin, is well aware of the interest his star midfield is generating after the club’s relegation to the Championship last season. He is currently with the Saints and played in their latest 3-2 friendly win against AFC Bournemouth at St. Mary’s.

Speaking about Lavia’s future, the 37-year-old manager said, via Fabrizio Romano:

“He has a lot going on in his head… not easy for a young player to handle the noise, but he’s handled it well. Latest news is very public, he may still be here he may not.”

So, let’s get to what Martin is referring to here. Liverpool’s initial £37million bid was turned down by the Saints. They value their midfielder at £50million, having signed him from Manchester City just last summer.

Chelsea should hurry in Lavia race

Now, Romano has claimed that the Reds are preparing a new offer in the region of £45million for the player. He says they want to sign Lavia as quickly as possible with Chelsea also lurking around.

Chelsea are embroiled in a transfer battle of their own. We can’t seem to get the Moises Caicedo deal over the line no matter what. If and when we sign the Brighton & Hove Albion star, we should look at another midfielder.

We have already sold Mateo Kovacic, Mason Mount, Jorginho, Ruben Loftus-Cheek and N’Golo Kante this year. In their place, we have added only Enzo Fernandez as a proven first-team starter.

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But whether Lavia is still on the market in a few days’ time remains to be seen. If Chelsea are interested in him, they know his price tag. It won’t be a bad idea to sign the 19-year-old Belgium international if we fail with the Caicedo pursuit.