John Barnes: Rodgers Making the Right Moves in Lallana Pursuit

Liverpool legend John Barnes has called for the club to seal the signing of Adam Lallana this summer, insisting that the playmaker will give the side much needed depth as they prepare for a return to the Champions League.

The Reds have already confirmed the signing of Rickie Lambert from Southampton and with Manchester United believed to be seriously pursuing Luke Shaw it will no doubt be an uphill battle as the Saints look to preserve some of their talent.

But Barnes believes that as Brendan Rodgers continues to build a British backbone in the Liverpool squad, Lallana would be the perfect addition to a side who will play a far busier fixture list next season than the one before.

"They need more strength in depth," he told the Liverpool Echo. "Especially in terms of the back four and defensive midfield players.

"You need a well rounded squad for the Champions League.

"I like Lallana and he can play a number of different roles. He can play behind a frontman, he can play wide, he can play central.

"Of course he's English which is good. Brendan is trying to implement this British thread throughout the team which I believe in. I think he would be a fantastic signing for Liverpool."

Liverpool reportedly have big transfer plans for the summer as Rodgers looks to build on their success last season, where the side jumped from a seventh-place finish the campaign before to fight for the title until the last game.

With the club having struggled to attract big names over the last few years due to a lack of top-tier European football they will now have the opportunity to bring in talent who can compete confidently alongside the likes of superstar Luis Suarez.

But Rodgers is still keen to keep costs down for the club and after making a £25m offer for Lallana the manager is believed to be considering alternatives if Southampton drive the price too far upwards.