Southampton manager Russell Martin has issued a warning to his in-demand stars ahead of their return to the Championship.
Romeo Lavia is subject to interest from Liverpool as the Reds mull over a move for the 19-year-old Belgium international. Chelsea, Arsenal and Manchester City are among the names mooted as competition to the Reds for the midfielder.
Following their relegation to the second tier of English football, speculation has emerged surrounding some of their key players. Captain James Ward-Prowse faces uncertainty while Tino Livramento has been reportedly eyed by Newcastle United.
Liverpool typically target experienced first-team players and the ECHO understands that Lavia, who made 29 appearances in his debut season at St Mary's, being in the infancy of his career is not a barrier under Jurgen Klopp.
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No formal approach has been made to Martin's side to sign the Belgian with reports suggesting Liverpool could be forced to pay up to £50m for the former RSC Anderlecht prospect.
While there has been an official offer for Lavia and other talents for the Saints, Martin has reiterated his expectation for the in-demand players. He told the Daily Echo: "I think we have to convince them of a way of doing things and make them look really good and win a lot.
"This season is going to be very different in terms of approach because it’s been changed with loads of personnel, Jason and myself and the staff that I have brought, the people [that] have left the club.
"I think change brings a freshness. Our job is to get as much detail into them, as many miles into the legs as we possibly can so they are ready for the first game of the season and beyond that."
