Adam Lallana to Liverpool: Southampton receive improved bid of £25m

Liverpool are keen to tie up a deal for the England international before the World Cup

Southampton midfielder Adam Lallana is a reported £20m target for Liverpool (Getty Images)

Liverpool have made a final offer of £25m for Southampton midfielder Adam Lallana.

It is understood that the Reds have returned with the improved bid on their initial £20m in a final attempt to secure a deal prior to the World Cup. Indications are that they will not increase it again, therefore putting the onus on Southampton to make a decision over the 26-year-old one way or the other.

Talks between the clubs have been ongoing since the end of the season but they have so far failed to reach an agreement. While a £4m deal for Rickie Lambert was relatively straightforward, the proposed switch for Lallana is proving more complicated.

Southampton must pass on a sell-on fee of 25 per cent to Lallana's former club Bournemouth. With Southampton understood to want £20m for themselves, Liverpool's new bid would mean they received £18.75m after giving Bournemouth their cut.

Liverpool want to conclude the deal as soon as possible but are ready to turn their attention elsewhere if negotiations fail to reach a satisfactory conclusion.

Lallana was in action for England last night in their 3-0 win over Peru and will depart with the squad for Miami on Sunday.