Bologna fans on Saturday staged a protest against the club, demanding that in-demand winger Gaston Ramirez is not sold this month.
Fans chanted during Bologna's Coppa Italia tie against Varese for the club to keep hold of Ramirez after it emerged before the game that the Serie A side are ready to sell him to Premier League newcomers Southampton.
Liverpool had been seen as favourites to sign the 21-year-old for some time after he last week turned down the chance to join Tottenham due to them being unwilling to meet his personal demands.
But Southampton tabled an £11.8million bid for the Uruguay international on Friday, with Ramirez confirming he was ready to move to St Mary's.
Bologna president Albano Guaraldi later insisted a deal was not in place and also blasted Ramirez over his recent behaviour.
The highly-rated player was dropped from the Bologna squad as a move to England edges closer.
What they've said:
Gaston Ramirez to Corriere dello Sport late on Thursday: "The truth is that I think, yes, this time I am moving. Bologna has reached an agreement with Southampton, and there are only a few details to be found but the agreement in principle is done.
"The English club has reached an agreement with me, it is the classic offer that you cannot refuse for my life as a whole and my family.
"But they believe in me in every way, I will be essential and above all they are going to grow. Southampton is a newly promoted team in the English top-flight but they will become a big team in years to come.
"They have told me they are going to build and that is very stimulating."
Bologna president Albano Guaraldi on Friday: "Ramirez is contracted to Bologna and the club will decide upon his future, not the player himself.
"Ramirez's behaviour is totally unacceptable, giving open interviews like that without consulting us.
"Gaston cannot force my hand with two interviews. I am a serious person and I've already said it will take €20m to sell him. And I also told his agent."
Southampton manager Nigel Adkins to reporters on Friday: "It looks exciting, doesn't it? I think he has come out in Italy and said it is already sorted, but I think you'll find the policy of the football club is until the player has signed on the dotted line and we announce it then really we try to do everything privately.
"We have been consistent with that over the years and we'll probably stay that way."