Southampton and England striker Rickie Lambert appears a step closer to completing a move to Liverpool after undergoing a medical on Merseyside.
The Anfield club are understood to have agreed a £4 million deal (€4.9m) for the 32-year-old, who was once on their books as an academy player. Liverpool are thought to be keen to complete a deal before Lambert heads to England's pre-World Cup training camp in the United States on Sunday.
Lambert told Sky Sports News: “The medical went well but as you know I can’t say anything. I’ll speak properly about it, hopefully, very shortly. It’s been a crazy football year to be honest, the way it’s carrying on.”
Lambert was asked if he had spoken to Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard about the move while with him on England duty over the past week. He said: “I’ve spoken to Stevie a while ago, but I’ll speak properly on Monday.”
News of Lambert’s impending move to his boyhood club came as a surprise when it emerged on Thursday evening.
Lambert was released by Liverpool at the age of 15 in 1997 and was later shown the door by Blackpool after moving to the Lancashire club as a trainee. He did eventually turn professional and played in the lower divisions with Macclesfield, Stockport, Rochdale and Bristol Rovers before finally flourishing at Southampton.
Having helped Saints to two promotions and then impressing in the Premier League, he admits he will leave St Mary’s with a heavy heart.
He said: “There’s lots of emotions as you can imagine so it’s something I need to address and obviously I will address all parties when I get the chance.”
Meanwhile, Liverpool's improved £25m (€30.75m) offer for Lambert's team-mate Adam Lallana is understood to be final and it remains to be seen whether 26-year-old the will also be heading to Anfield ahead of next season.
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 (€24.6m) but Southampton, who have to pass a 25 per cent sell-on fee to their captain’s former club Bournemouth, are holding out for £30m (€36.9m).
As is the case with Lambert, Liverpool are keen to conclude the transfer of a priority for 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.
