Liverpool will make another attempt to sign Southampton skipper and England international Adam Lallana, following the World Cup in Brazil.
Southampton are desperate to hold on to Lallana and have rejected two bids from Liverpool so far. Prior to the World Cup, Liverpool’s improved offer of £25m was rejected, with the Saints initially rebuffed a £20m opening bid.
Southampton are demanding a fee in the region of £30m for their skipper, which Liverpool are obviously reluctant to pay at the moment. As a result of which, it led to increased speculation that Liverpool have ended their pursuit of the 26-year-old and have shifted attention elsewhere.
Bayern Munich’s Xherdan Shaqiri and Benfica’s Lazar Markovic have been linked recently but Liverpool Echo understands that the Reds will look to resume negotiations with Southampton, as they get the impression that Lallana is keen to secure a move to Anfield in the summer.
Southampton’s chief executive director Les Reed has urged Lallana to remain at St Mary’s while new manager Ronald Koeman wants to keep hold of top players at the South coast club.
“Lallana’s been here long enough, we’ve brought him to this level and we feel that perhaps he should give it a little bit longer,” Reed said.
“Anybody seriously considering coming for our players are going to have to think very significantly about the size of the fee.
“If we do take money it will be because it’s the right amount and it enables us to improve the team and move forward.”
“I hope the (managerial) announcement will prick up a few ears and they will think that’s a good, positive move from the club. If players leave, it will be because we believe it is right for the club.”
This has been an excellent summer for Liverpool so far, with the Reds having already signed England striker Rickie Lambert for £4m. The Reds have agreed a deal for Emre Can and are also keen on Croatian centre-back Dejan Lovren.
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