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Liverpool FC's pursuit of Adam Lallana could hinge on whether the Southampton captain is willing to hand in a transfer request to force through a move to Anfield.

But the Reds have not yet given up hope of landing the England midfielder before the World Cup gets underway later this month.

A final “take it or leave it” offer of £25m was tabled for Lallana on Friday, with Liverpool eager to bring the 26-year-old to Merseyside.

As yet, there has been no formal response to that bid from Southampton, who are in no rush to part with their prized asset.

The South Coast club are understood to be looking for a fee closer to £30m, with 25% owed to Bournemouth as part of a sell-on clause. An opening £20m offer was turned down last month.

Lallana flew to the USA with Roy Hodgson's England squad on Sunday, as they head for a week-long training camp in Miami. He is expected to feature in their friendly matches with Ecuador and Honduras, having started the win over Peru at Wembley on Friday.

Now, there is a growing feeling that Liverpool's chances of landing Lallana may rest on whether the St Albans-born midfielder is willing to hand in a formal transfer request at St Mary's.

The player is keen to move to Anfield, and is desperate to play Champions League football after two excellent seasons for Saints in the Premier League. It is understood that Lallana and his representatives have been left disappointed at Southampton's lack of co-operation over the deal.

Liverpool, for their part, are still hopeful that a deal can be thrashed out before the World Cup gets underway in 10 days' time. They would be willing to fly staff to Miami or Brazil in order to complete a medical with Lallana, if necessary.

Hodgson has repeatedly stated his desire that his World Cup players sort their futures out before the tournament, and though he would not be willing to allow players to leave the camp, he would have no problem with Liverpool officials travelling in to discuss personal terms and conduct a medical. If their pursuit of Lallana is unsuccessful, then Liverpool have indicated they will turn their attention to alternative targets, including Bayern Munich's Xherdan Shaqiri.