Jurgen Klopp wants Adam Lallana to sign a one-year contract extension to avoid losing him on a free transfer, but the Liverpool manager is resigned to losing the midfielder at the end of the season.

Lallana’s contract expires this summer, and he can discuss and agree terms with other clubs from tomorrow with a view to joining in six months.

A queue is forming at home and abroad, eager to open negotiations for what will be one of the most sought-after Bosman deals of 2020.

The midfielder’s inclusion – and star performance – in the 1-0 win over Wolves on Sunday underlines why Lallana will remain a pivotal member of the Liverpool squad for the rest of this campaign.

The commitment he showed in that victory reaffirms why Klopp is so keen to retain the 31-year-old.

However, Klopp is also realistic and respectful of the player’s predicament. He understands Lallana is too good to be a back-up player, and with competition so intense in the Liverpool squad – a situation that will only intensify with the arrival of Japan international Takumi Minamino – there is no pressure on Lallana to commit to Anfield beyond this season, nor will his contract situation impact on selection.