Southampton boss Russell Martin says he's planning with Romeo Lavia in his team for their Championship opener.

Saints kickoff the season on Friday against Sheffield Wednesday.

Lavia is the subject of an offer from Liverpool, but Martin said: “Do I think they will be Southampton players by the end of the window? I have not got a clue. What I hope and what I think are probably very different.

“However, it would be pointless to come out and say I think they'll be here or I don't because ultimately I have no control over that really. If they're both not here at some point or one of them isn't it will be because the club and the player have both had something that is beneficial for everyone.

“I think that's why it has dragged on so long so far and I think it might continue to drag on, but both of them while they have been here have been great, at very different stages of their career."