Romeo Lavia timeline set after fourth bid - Movement could accelerate, admits Saints boss

Southampton manager Russel Martin says he doesn't expect any developments on Romeo Lavia to Liverpool or any other outgoings before the weekend.

Liverpool's third bid worth £46 million was rejected on Monday afternoon but reports suggest a fourth has already been submitted although the value of the bid has not been specified.

This report was followed by a claim from Sacha Tavolieri that the player's camp is doing everything they can to push a move to Anfield through.

Lavia was not involved in Southampton's FA Cup defeat to Gillingham on Tuesday evening with a move to Liverpool potentially drawing nearer.

Speaking to BBC Radio Solent after his side's 3-1 defeat, Southampton manager Russel Martin admitted that although developments aren't expected this week, anything could happen due to the spontaneous nature of football.

He said: "We have a big group, but only so many players that can help us. There needs to be movement for sure.

"But also, there needs to be movement that suits us as a club. I don't envisage anything changing between now and the weekend, but it's football, right, so anything can happen.

"We'll be prepared for everything and anything. The guys we left behind today isn't out of lack of respect for the competition or anything like that."

Fans want to see Lavia sign as soon as possible with the Premier League starting this weekend. Despite being led to believe that a major overhaul was on its way when Jude Bellingham left the club, only two signings have been so far while Jordan Henderson and Fabinho were sold to Saudi Pro League teams.

It's been clear for awhile that Lavia would not be joining in time for the start of the season. Even if he had joined on Monday, it would be odd for Klopp to throw him into the side without much preparation against Chelsea.

Lavia is a massively talented player and should he join Liverpool, it's clear to see that he has a bright future. Yet, people are forgetting he's only 19. Placing too much pressure on him to be the saviour of Liverpool's transfer window is not ideal.

That said, he's being placed in this position by Liverpool. The Reds should be aggressively trying to replace Fabinho as the importance of a top class holding midfielder cannot be overstated.

Top sides often win or lose in relation to the form of their holding midfielder.

Unfortunately, there are a lot of valid concerns that we could discuss about Liverpool's transfer tactics in the last two years but the most alarming observation is that it seems to be getting worse.

Liverpool used to be extremely proactive with regards to transfers but with constant change behind the scenes at AXA, the club's headquarters, it's no surprise that the Reds no longer act with the same level of foresight and expertise.

For now, we can only hope that Liverpool pull it together in time to give Klopp the squad he needs to deliver the trophies we know he is capable of winning.