25 July 2023 , 21:12
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Romeo Lavia was ‘disinterested’ and substituted off at half-time in Southampton's friendly against Bournemouth on Tuesday evening after Liverpool’s transfer offer for the midfielder was rejected.
Lavia, 19, tops the Reds' transfer wish list but their initial £37million approach for the talented teenager has been knocked back by the Saints. The South Coast club are in a sound financial situation despite their relegation from the Premier League and are in no need to sell players at discount prices.
Southampton have placed a £50m price tag on their star midfielder, who they believe has lost no value despite the club dropping into the Championship. Other clubs have shown an interest in the talented midfielder, but the Merseyside club are the first to have lodged a firm offer.
Lavia started the Saints' pre-season clash against neighbours Bournemouth on Tuesday evening but was one of two players substituted off at the break. The Belgian, who failed to impress in the game – starting alongside Carlos Alcaraz in midfield, was replaced by Will Smallbone for the second half.
Sky Sports broadcaster James Green was in attendance at the match and tweeted: "At St Mary’s tonight and Romeo Lavia looked decidedly uninterested during the first half." Green added: "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"
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This view was shared by journalist Jack Rosser. "Southampton playing Bournemouth in a friendly this evening," said The Sun reporter. "To say Romeo Lavia is coasting would be extremely generous."
Lavia had an evening to forget against Bournemouth (Matt Watson/Southampton FC via Getty Images)Have Your Say! What price should Liverpool pay for Lavia? Tell us what you think here.
Liverpool have ramped up their interest in Lavia as they are braced for the departures of captain Jordan Henderson and experienced holding midfielder Fabinho in the coming days. They have already seen James Milner, Naby Keita, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Roberto Firmino leave Anfield as free agents this summer.
Both Henderson and Fabinho have deals in place to move to Saudi Arabia; with Henderson set to be reunited with former Reds teammate Steven Gerrard at Al-Ittifaq while Fabinho has an agreement to join Saudi champions Al-Ittihad.
Bournemouth ran out 3-2 victors on the night but it was a game won in the first half, as goals from Dango Ouattara and Ryan Christie gave them a two-goal lead at the break. New Saints signing Shea Charles headed a goal back for the Saints and while Stuart Armstrong equalised, David Brooks won the game late on for Andoni Iraola’s side.