Liverpool remain keen on securing a deal for Adam Lallana ahead of the World Cup - but are yet to agree a fee for the Southampton skipper.

The Reds tabled a £20m offer for the 26-year-old earlier this month, but Saints are holding out for closer to £25m.

Negotiations between the two clubs are ongoing, and are expected to continue over the next few days.

Liverpool would ideally like a deal agreed before Lallana heads to Brazil with England for the World Cup next month, but are confident that the player is keen on a move to Anfield, and that there is a willingness to sell on Southampton's part.

Another Southampton player, Dejan Lovren, has been targeted by Brendan Rodgers , though that deal would have no bearing on their pursuit of Lallana.

Xherdan Shaqiri has been lined up as a potential alternative to Lallana, who is currently in Portugal at England's pre-World Cup training squad. Swansea City goalkeeper Michel Vorm is another who is under consideration.

Reports linking the Reds with a move for Manchester City's James Milner are premature, though the England winger is someone the club would consider if they were to miss out on other targets over the next couple of months.

Source: Liverpool Echo