Southampton captain and England international, Adam Lallana, has expressed his desire to leave the Southern club following his return from the 2014 FIFA World Cup. The 27 year old has not handed in a transfer request, but has made his intentions clear to his bosses with Liverpool reportedly tabling offers in and around £25 million for the attacking midfielder.
The Saints sold Rickie Lambert to Liverpool, his boyhood club, in a deal worth £4 million for the 32 year old. They quickly released a statement saying they did not feel the need to sell their players, and intend on holding onto them for their new manager following Mauricio Pochettino’s departure for Tottenham Hotspur.
“Southampton Football Club can confirm that we have received multiple offers for some of our players in the past weeks. This is a confirmation of the depth of the development that is ongoing in our academy and of the present standing of our first team within the Premier League.
“We are staying true to our plan and vision and, as a result, we have no need to accept any offers. We are deep in the process of appointing a new manager who will continue to move our club forward. It remains our preference not to partake in any transfers until the new manager is in place. Our scouting & recruitment department continues to monitor targets we have identified to improve our squad, and the new manager will have final input into our recruitment process.”
It remains to be seen whether Liverpool can sign their rumoured transfer target, but they know a big money offer may be required if Lallana performs well at the World Cup.
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