Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers has refused to be drawn on reports linking the club with a summer swoop for Southampton captain Adam Lallana.
The Merseyside outfit are said to be monitoring the 25-year-old, who is expected to be named in Roy Hodgson's England squad on Monday for this summer's World Cup in Brazil.
Reports emerged last night claiming that the Reds want to tie up a deal for Lallana before the start of the tournament on June 12.
When questioned on the reports, Rodgers said in Friday's press conference: "I'm sure you can respect that I would never mention another player at another club. It's purely speculation.
"Adam is a terrific young talent and player, but for us there's always speculation about top young players."
Meanwhile, if Liverpool beat Newcastle United on Sunday at Anfield, they will remain in contention for the Premier League title, but they are relying on Manchester City to lose against West Ham United.
Danielle Joynson
