Liverpool have attempted to break the impasse over Adam Lallana’s proposed move to Anfield by tabling a ‘take it or leave it’ £25m offer for the Southampton captain.

Anfield officials have been in talks with their south coast counterparts over a deal for the attacking midfielder for almost a fortnight but have been unable to reach agreement on a fee. Liverpool initially valued Lallana at £20m but Southampton, who have to pass a 25% sell-on fee to their captain’s former club Bournemouth, are holding out for £30m.

As is the case with Anfield-bound Rickie Lambert, Liverpool are keen to conclude the transfer of a priority for the manager, Brendan Rodgers, before the World Cup. Whether Southampton will soften their stance following the increased bid remains to be seen but Liverpool are determined to push through a deal amid rival interest in Lallana from Tottenham Hotspur.

The England international is a target for several clubs but his preference is to join Liverpool.