Wantaway midfielder Romeo Lavia was substituted off at half-time in Southampton's friendly this week.
The Saints were playing Bournemouth on Tuesday evening in preparation for the new Championship season.
The 19-year-old was the subject of a 37 million approach from Liverpool, which has been rejected.
Sky Sports broadcaster James Green stated during the game on Twitter: "At St Mary's tonight and Romeo Lavia looked decidedly uninterested during the first half."
Green added: "Head down, often walking around, showed glimpses of his class, but looked like a player wanting a move away. Taken off at half time #SouthamptonFC #SaintsFC"
"Southampton playing Bournemouth in a friendly this evening," said The Sun reporter Jack Rosser.
"To say Romeo Lavia is coasting would be extremely generous."