Southampton boss Russell Martin defended Romeo Lavia's performance in yesterday's preseason defeat to Bournemouth.

Lavia is the subject of a bid from Liverpool and was subtituted at halftime.

Martin later insisted: “The transfer window should close before the start of the season – it's ridiculous in my opinion and certainly not helpful.

“We're a club that has been relegated and has a lot of talent that people are attracted to, but we'll prepare as if they will be here because we have to. There's no guarantee that anyone will leave, it's a lot of work with 27 players or whatever but we'll give everyone a chance to get on the pitch.

“I thought Romeo, considering what's going on, to play tonight and do all that stuff, it was good for him to get on the pitch as he has not had the minutes other people have had.

“You can ask for an update, but I can't give you one because I don't know. I'm going to speak to Jason (Wilcox, director of football) now but I've been preparing for this game. I'll only ever be honest with you guys but I'm yet to find out."

Martin also said: “Romeo has a lot in his head."