Southampton manager Russell Martin has admitted that more players will depart his side in the near future as Liverpool target midfielder Romeo Lavia.
The Reds have previously had two bids for the 19-year-old rejected, the most recent of which was for roughly £41 million.
Romeo Lavia transfer latest after Liverpool target was unused sub in first Southampton game.
Southampton are thought to be asking for £50 million for the midfielder they bought for £12 million last summer.
Lavia was an unused replacement in the first Championship match of the season yesterday night. Saints defeated Sheffield Wednesday 2-1, with goals from Adam Armstrong and Che Adams.
Speaking after the match, Martin said: “Of course there will be people going, and when they do go hopefully we will be able to add to the group with players that suit us, and will help 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 look different in four weeks.” That’s just part of the game [of football].
“Ideally, the transfer window would have closed by now!” I’m sure every manager would want them, so we could get started.
Romeo Lavia transfer latest after Liverpool target was unused sub in first Southampton game.
“It will look completely different. It is up to us to ensure that with the changes that occur over the next four weeks, we are as strong, if not stronger, than we are tonight.”
Martin also told Sky Sports, “There’s been a lot going on, a lot of noise around here.” But I’m so proud of how the players handled it and what they did on the field today.”
It remains to be seen if the South Coast club’s continued hardball stance means Liverpool must meet the full £50m asking price in order to sign the young Belgian.
Reds boss Jurgen Klopp admitted on Tuesday from the tour in Singapore that his side needs more new signings this summer, with the squad not possessing a proven defensive midfielder.
Fluminense midfielder Andre has emerged as another potential engine room target. According to reports in Brazil, the 22-year-old is worth roughly £20 million, but his club may be reluctant to sell considering that the season is just halfway over.
