Southampton head coach Russell Martin has, on Saturday, spoken out on the future of transfer-linked midfield starlet Romeo Lavia.
The name of youngster Lavia, of course, has found itself back front and centre in the English media headlines over the course of the last 24 hours.
This comes on the back of widespread confirmation that Premier League giants Chelsea are on the verge of sealing a deal for his signature.
As per a whole host of reliable sources, despite also closing on a record-breaking swoop for Brighton standout Moises Caicedo, the Blues have agreed to fork over a hefty £55 million to bring Lavia to Stamford Bridge.
💰 Agreement between #CFC & #SaintsFC now close to 52M£ + 3M£ add-ons. Not a done deal yet as it left some extra information to be exchanged tomorrow even if Soton accepted the fee as revealed this evening.
🇧🇪✍🏼 Blues wants to extend the number of contract years from 5 to 7… pic.twitter.com/aNnajwrR5g— Sacha Tavolieri (@sachatavolieri) August 12, 2023
Speaking to the awaiting press on the back of his side’s chaotic 4-4 draw with Norwich City on Saturday, it therefore came as little surprise when the subject of his midfield gem’s future was put to Southampton boss Russell Martin.
This comes with Lavia having been absent from the Saints’ matchday squad.
Southampton manager Russell Martin on Lavia: “Roméo Lavia, not playing as he’s not in the right frame of mind to play”. ✨🇧🇪
“I also believe it’s edging closer to a conclusion…”, he added. pic.twitter.com/sTQNd7UyVs
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) August 12, 2023
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