Rumour: Adam Lallana must hand in transfer request to force his move to Liverpool

Adam Lallana celebrates after scoring during the Barclays Premier League match between Southampton and Hull City at St Mary's Stadium

Southampton captain Adam Lallana will have to hand in a transfer request in order to force through a move to Liverpool as the clubs are locked in negotiations, according to the Liverpool ECHO.

Liverpool reportedly increased their offer to £25 million for the Englishman and it is still not enough for Southampton, who are standing firm on their £30m valuation of the midfielder. The Saints are seeking more money as 25% of the fee received must go straight into Bournemouth’s pocket as part of a clause in Lallana’s original contract.

That is enough for Liverpool to walk away from the deal unless Lallana hands in a transfer request to force through the transfer to the Premier League runners-up.

The Reds were hoping to secure the Lallana deal before the World Cup but it seems unlikely now that Southampton are not budging following two bids for their captain.

The Saints are in no rush to part company with Lallana, or any of their players, until a new manager is found and appointed following Mauricio Pochettino’s departure to Tottenham recently.

Lallana is thought to be keen on a move to Liverpool and desperate to play in the Champions League but with Southampton not fazed by interest, it could be a long summer for the Englishman with Liverpool likely to move onto other targets.