Romeo Lavia has been one of the transfer sagas of the summer (Picture: Getty Images)
The battle for Romeo Lavia’s signature appears to be coming to an end after Southampton manager Russell Martin said the transfer saga is ‘edging closer to a conclusion.’
Lavia has been the subject of multiple bids from Liverpool and Chelsea, with the Saints sticking to their valuation of £50m and neither side meeting that price tag yet.
The teenager was left out of Southampton’s epic 4-4 draw with Norwich on Saturday and Martin was asked why after the contest.
‘Romeo Lavia, not playing as he’s not in the right frame of mind to play,’ he said.
‘I also believe it’s edging closer to a conclusion.’
What that conclusion will be is not yet known, although Chelsea are reportedly leading the race for the Belgium international and are confident of signing him.
Liverpool have made three bids for him but may well lose out to the Blues, as they could also do in the pursuit of Brighton midfielder Moises Caicedo.
The Reds had a bid of £111m accepted by the Seagulls for Caicedo, but he prefers a switch to Stamford Bridge and reports on Saturday state that Chelsea have outbid their rivals with a whopping offer of £115m.
There is now a chance that Chelsea could beat Liverpool to both midfielders and spend an eye-watering £165m on the pair in the process.
MORE : Chelsea submit increased Romeo Lavia bid in fresh blow to Liverpool transfer plans
MORE : Chelsea beat Liverpool with £48m bid for Southampton midfielder Romeo Lavia
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The midfielder was left out of the Saints’ game on Saturday.