England international Adam Lallana will undergo a medical at Melwood on Friday afternoon ahead of a proposed move to Liverpool, according to reports on Friday.
Lallana has been linked with a move to Anfield for some time, but negotiations with Southampton stalled when the Saints announced they wouldn’t make any decisions over transfers until the appointment of a new manager. Liverpool had hoped to get a deal done before the World Cup and have previously submitted two bids which were rejected.
Ronald Koeman became Mauricio Pochettino’s successor at St Mary’s earlier this month and just days after Lallana’s return from the World Cup, it looks like the deal is set to be completed.
The news is reported by BBC Sport and all major media outlets, with the fee reported as £25 million.
The 26-year-old had an outstanding season with Southampton, scoring nine goals in 38 appearances and creating a further 68 goalscoring chances, according to stats website Squawka.
Lallana would become Liverpool’s third signing of the summer after the Reds completed deals for Rickie Lambert and Emre Can before the World Cup.
Liverpool will certainly be looking to announce some good news in a week marred by FIFA’s four-month ban of forward Luis Suarez from world football.
Despite his ban, BBC Sport claim Barcelona are still interested in signing the 27-year-old Uruguayan international.
However, journalist Ben Smith doesn’t see Liverpool selling easily and, despite Suarez being unable to play until almost November, will not be undercut on price:
“Liverpool will not cash in on one of the world’s best strikers for the sake of it – the owners will do what they feel is right for the club.
“It may take an offer of around £80m to persuade them to sell. Even then, the deal would have to be the right one for Liverpool”
More to follow throughout the day.
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