Southampton boss Russell Martin says Romeo Lavia won't start against Championship rivals Norwich City.

The decision has been made as Chelsea raise their offer to £50m for the midfielder, with Liverpool also keen.

“It's not easy but he trained really well today. He's not had enough minutes in pre-season," Martin told reporters. “I don't think I'd ask him to start a game after the minutes he has had and everything that is going on. In these situations, you think back to yourself as a 19 year old.

“How would you cope with that? He's been great, some days much better than others but there has been so much noise and he is a really top lad and really top player.

“The Romeo situation has been really fluid throughout and other things may happen in the market that influence the situation, we have no control over that.

“Romeo is getting fitter and fitter and trained really well, whether he will be in the squad or not I just don't know and I can't give you an answer."