SAINTS have reportedly rejected a £37million bid from Liverpool for in-demand midfielder Romeo Lavia.

The 19 year old is a transfer target for the Anfield side, who have qualified for the Europa League after a fifth-placed finish.

Lavia, who joined from Manchester City just last summer and was the subject of a £50million verbal proposal from Chelsea just weeks after arriving at St Mary’s, is likely to leave Saints this summer.

The Belgian international made 29 Premier League appearances as Saints were relegated into the Championship last summer, leaving many of their players with uncertain futures.

Lavia has also been linked with Arsenal this summer, after they challenged Man City for the Premier League title last campaign, but the Gunners spent over £100million on Declan Rice.

Mutiple outlets report that Saints have rejected a £37million bid from Liverpool for Lavia and have stated a £50million fee will be required for his release.

Director of football Jason Wilcox, who was Lavia’s academy director at City before joining Saints this year, is said to be leading on negotiations over Lavia’s future.

The Merseyside outfit have already seen central midfielders Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, James Milner, Naby Keita and Arthur Melo depart the club – while Jordan Henderson could also follow.

The report adds that personal terms for Lavia will not be an issue so it is down to Liverpool and Saints to find an agreement if the player is to move.

Lavia has featured in pre-season games versus both Goztepe and Reading for new manager Russell Martin.