Liverpool target Romeo Lavia is left OUT of Southampton's matchday squad for EFL Cup clash with Gillingham as Reds continue to pursue a deal for the Saints midfielder

• e-mail

Romeo Lavia has been left out of Southampton's matchday squad for tonight's EFL Cup match against League Two side Gillingham while the player continues to be pursued by Liverpool.

The Reds had a third £46million bid for the Saints midfielder rejected on Monday evening but were immediately rebuffed by Southampton.

Lavia will be allowed to depart the club this summer if a buyer reaches the South Coast side's £50m valuation, a fee that Liverpool have so far been unable to match.

Liverpool legend Jamie Carragher labelled his former club as 'embarrassing' for their so far failed pursuit of Lavia and called for them to either complete a deal or walk away rather than continue to negotiate a lower price.

Lavia was an unused substitute for Southampton as Russell Martin's side kicked off the new Championship season with an away win over Sheffield Wednesday.

Romeo Lavia has been left out of Southampton's matchday squad for tonight's cup clash

Saints midfielder Lavia (left) is being actively pursued by Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp (right)

He has now been left out of the squad altogether for Tuesday's cup clash as Southampton travel to Priestfield.

However, any Liverpool supporters believing this indicates a deal is close should be cautious given the competition is mainly used to give youth players first-team opportunities.

Fellow star midfielder James Ward-Prowse, who has also been tipped for a summer exit, is also absent from the matchday squad along with other senior members of the team.

Lavia joined the south coast side last season from Manchester City after impressing during his formative years in the academy at the reigning Premier League champions.

The youthful midfielder enjoyed a breakthrough season in the English top-flight, making 29 Premier League appearances, but was unable to help steer the Saints clear of the drop zone.