Liverpool FC will make a move to sign Southampton midfielder Adam Lallana following the end of the season.

Brendan Rodgers is a big admirer of the England international and hasn't been put off by talk of a £20million transfer fee.

The manager believes Lallana would be the perfect addition to the Reds' array of attacking firepower and is hoping a deal can be struck.

Liverpool have yet to make an approach to Saints but they are ready to move quickly when the transfer window opens in order to fend off interest from rival clubs.

Lallana, who turns 26 today, has scored 10 goals and contributed six assists for Saints this season.

His progress was rewarded with a first England cap against Chile last November and he looks certain to make Roy Hodgson's World Cup squad when it's announced on Monday.

While the Reds prepare to step up their pursuit of Lallana, they have cooled their interest in winger Yevhen Konoplyanka.

The Reds had been expected to go back in for Konoplyanka this summer but the ECHO understands they are now looking at alternative targets.

Qualifying for the Champions League means Liverpool believe they will be able to attract a higher calibre of talent.

St Albans-born Lallana started out at Bournemouth's Centre of Excellent before being snapped up by Southampton at the age of 12.

He made his first-team debut against Yeovil Town in the League Cup in August 2006 and had a spell on loan at Bournemouth in 2007/08 before establishing himself as a Saints regular the following campaign.

He helped Southampton claim back to back promotions as he was named in the League One team of the year in 2010/11 and the Championship team of the year in 2011/12. He scored 13 goals as they booked their passage to the Premier League.

A fine season was rewarded in April 2013 when he penned a new five-year contract and this season he has taken his game to another level.

Voted Southampton's Player of the Year, he was also shortlisted for the PFA Player of the Year award and was named alongside clubmate Luke Shaw in the PFA Team of the Year.

Source: Liverpool Echo