As per football reporter Jack Rosser on Twitter, the Belgian international was seen ‘coasting’ in the Saints’ 3-2 loss against their south coast rivals, with Lavia seemingly not making much of an effort to get into the game.
The Athletic had reported mere hours earlier that Southampton had rejected a £37m bid for Lavia from Liverpool, with the Reds expected to pay £50m for the 19-year-old midfield sensation.
With the two teams still discussing behind the scenes a deal for Lavia, the former Manchester City starlet seems to have lost focus on his job at St. Mary’s amid the ongoing transfer saga.
Indeed, the teenager seems desperate to return to the Premier League, and Lavia himself will be hopeful that a deal can soon be reached between Liverpool and Southampton for his transfer up north to Anfield.
With the Championship season incredibly starting next week, time is not on Liverpool’s side to get a deal done before the start of the new EFL campaign, with Lavia now the main priority.
The midfielder looking physically annoyed and uninterested in playing for Southampton could move things along for the Reds, who could make a second bid for Lavia as soon as this week. But Jurgen Klopp was disappointed with the way he played. In his words he said ” am not sure about him”
Unease from Lavia could be key in forcing a move through, though, and yesterday’s pre-season showing could be a big message to Southampton to speed the deal along and to accept a lower fee from Liverpool.
