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Liverpool have edged ahead of Manchester United in the race to land Southampton ace Adam Lallana in the close season, writes Tom Hopkinson in the Sunday People.

United are bidding to sign the Saints skipper and his team-mate Luke Shaw as they embark on a £200million rebuilding job.

But their Anfield arch-rivals' boss Brendan Rodgers has weighed in with an offer of a £50,000-a-week deal to the player.

Lallana, 25, has been superb all season in the No.10 role and, barring an injury, is nailed on to go to the World Cup with England this summer.

Such has been his progress this term that he is even pushing hard for a place in Roy Hodgson’s starting line-up in Brazil.

United are particularly keen to sign Lallana, as they face up to the prospect of losing Danny Welbeck - Arsenal have become the latest club to be linked with the unhappy Old Trafford hitman.

Sunday People Sport disclosed last week that the England star is one of the top targets for Spurs. And Everton boss Roberto Martinez was revealed in midweek to also be keen if Romelu Lukaku fails to return to Goodison Park next season.

Now, the Gunners' Arsene Wenger is showing interest as well.