Russell Martin has dropped another hint that Romeo Lavia will in fact leave Southampton. The 19-year-old midfielder has been heavily linked with a move to Chelsea and Liverpool this summer following a rise to prominence on the south coast.

Lavia, who sees his contract at St. Mary’s expire in 2027, featured 29 times for the Saints in the Premier League last season, missing a large chunk of the campaign due to a hamstring injury. Despite his impressive performances, he couldn’t steer Southampton clear of relegation to the Championship.

With Mauricio Pochettino and Jurgen Klopp both eager to further bolster their midfield options this summer, Martin faces a mightily difficult task of keeping the Belgium international at the club. Chelsea sent a £48million bid, including add-ons, on Wednesday evening, football.london understands.

However, the proposal was £2m below the Saints’ asking price – a fee which Liverpool have failed to offer after lodging three proposals. It’s believed that the Blues are in talks with Southampton, who are open to selling Lavia.

Following the Saints’ 4-4 draw with Norwich on Saturday afternoon, Martin suggested that the race for the teenage sensation is ‘eeking slowly towards a conclusion’. As quoted by Alfie House of the Daily Echo, the Southampton boss said: “He has been great while his situation has rumbled on for a long time.

“That needs to draw to a conclusion quickly for him, for us and for everyone really. It’s eeking slowly towards a conclusion and I think we have been preparing for life without him for the six weeks we’ve been here so it’s not a massive drama.”

Prior to the Norwich clash, Martin revealed that Lavia’s future will be resolved ‘very soon’. He said: “He trained well with us today. I won’t ask him to start after the minutes he’s had and what’s been going. It’ll be resolved very soon I’m sure. It’s been very fluid so far.”:Chelsea news and transfers LIVE: ‘Done deal’, Moises Caicedo bid, Romeo Lavia agreed, Kepa to Real Madrid

In April, Pep Guardiola gave Lavia his stamp of approval which is no mean feat. As quoted by the Manchester City website, the Spaniard said: “I am really impressed with what Romeo has done and is doing.”

“We had, and we have, an incredible opinion about him. We thought to keep him, but maybe he would not (get) enough minutes like he has in Southampto