Liverpool keen to bring impressive World Cup star to Anfield after stellar season in Premier League.
Liverpool have made an improved offer of £25 million for Southampton midfielder Adam Lallana, according to a report in the Guardian.
The south coast side are reluctant to sell their captain for less than £30m given that they will have to give 25% of any fee received to Lallana’s old club AFC Bournemouth.
Regardless, the Reds are keen to boost the depth of their playing squad for next term, keenly aware that their thin ranks will be tightly stretched with the additional challenges of balancing a domestic campaign with European football.
Liverpool have qualified for the UEFA Champions League for the first time since 2009-10, and see Lallana as a key recruitment thanks to his versatility, inventiveness, and comfort on the ball.
Another encouraging sign for the Reds’ upcoming season on the continent has been the ease in which Lallana has adapted to international football.
The Saints playmaker started for England last night against Peru alongside Steven Gerrard, Glen Johnson, Jordan Henderson and Daniel Sturridge – all of whom could be team-mates at Anfield next season.
Southampton striker Rickie Lambert, subject of a bid from the Reds himself, remained on the bench at Wembley, but could join Lallana on Merseyside as part of a double swoop.