Southampton CEO Phil Parsons has stated that the club would not succumb to pressure to sell Romeo Lavia to Liverpool for less than his market value.

He explained to BBC Radio Solent that the Saints will maintain their asking price for Lavia despite Liverpool having three bids rejected for the Belgian international.

The Reds are interested in signing the 19-year-old midfielder but have yet to reach Southampton’s £50 million asking price, with Liverpool hoping to seal a deal for Lavia before next week’s Premier League start against Chelsea.

Southampton’s CEO points out that the club would not “just say yes to any offer that comes through the door,” as the club comes “first.”

“Southampton is a great club, and if you do well for Southampton and deserve a move, maybe we’ll look at it,” Parsons continued.

Although £50m may seem outrageous for a player with only one season of Premier League experience, given Lavia’s age and immense potential, Liverpool may find the investment to be worthwhile in the long term.

Additionally, the Reds may now feel under pressure to sign Lavia before Chelsea, who may be a valuable squad member for the opening fixtures of the Premier League.

Read: Arsenal following 19-year-old Championship midfielder

There hasn’t been much positive development to notice in the days since Liverpool’s last bid of £41 million, including add-ons, for Lavia was turned down at the beginning of the month.

The Reds might switch to different targets as the clock ticks down fast.