Liverpool target Lavia hauled off after ‘looking disinterested’ following bid

Romeo Lavia ‘looked disinterested’ and was subbed at half-time by Southampton boss Russell Martin during the club’s pre-season friendly against Bournemouth. It comes after the Belgium international was the subject of a £37million bid from Liverpool that was rejected out of hand but the Saints but it appears the offer may have unsettled the highly-rated teenager.

Lavia was still handed the chance to feature during the 3-2 defeat at St Mary’s but it appears the ex-Manchester City academy starlet was not quite himself.

Sky Sports broadcaster James Green was at the match and tweeted: “At St Mary’s tonight and Romeo Lavia looked decidedly uninterested during the first half.

“Head down, often walking around, showed glimpses of his class, but looked like a player wanting a move away. Taken off at half time #SouthamptonFC #SaintsFC”

Lavia was replaced at the interval and has perhaps now played his final match for the club.

Southampton are ready to sell the talented maestro but only if their £50m valuation is matched this summer.

Liverpool are expected to try again with a fresh bid as they prepare to wave goodbye to captain Jordan Henderson and Fabinho, who are both poised to move to Saudi Arabia.

Fabinho could return to Liverpool training on Wednesday as talks with Al-Ittihad have stalled in recent days but even if the Brazilian somehow remains at Anfield, the signing of Lavia is still a deal likely to remain under discussion.

The Reds have also made progress on personal terms with Lavia and there is hope a deal can be struck.

Southampton are yet to offload any of their key players from last season with James Ward-Prowse also attracting strong interest from West Ham.

But if they want to continue spending this summer the club may have to come to terms with some unwanted sales.

Speaking earlier this month, Saints boss Martin made it clear he felt some of his current players were too good to be playing Championship football.

He told Radio Solent: “I think there will be some players who we can’t avoid [losing] who will be back in the Premier League.”

He also added on captain Ward-Prowse and Newcastle-linked Timo Livramento: “I have nothing to say about James Ward-Prowse or Tino Livramento. Whilst they are here all we can do is ask them to train and give everything they’ve got.

“In terms of transfers I’ve got nothing to say, some people will stay and some people will leave.

“Jason Wilcox [director of football] will take care of all that stuff and we will have conversations about it because he wants my opinion, but he is looking after the best interests of the club. I’m pretty relaxed about it.”

Southampton begin their Championship campaign on Friday, August 4 when they travel to Sheffield Wednesday.