Liverpool striker Rickie Lambert 'rejoining Southampton in January'

Rickie Lambert will reportedly make a return to Southampton on-loan in January, only months after joining boyhood club Liverpool.

The 32-year-old, who grew up in Kirkby, achieved a lifelong dream when he completed a £4m transfer to Anfield during the summer.

However, first-team opportunities have been limited so far this season and the Daily Express claims that a loan return to the Saints is a possibility, although he could be competing with Graziano Pelle for a starting place.

It is thought that if Liverpool were to land a striker in the New Year, such as West Bromwich Albion's Saido Berahino or Porto's Jackson Martinez, then it could pave the way for Lambert to rejoin Southampton.

Another option for the Reds may be to recall Divock Origi from his season-long loan at Lille in order to allow the England international to leave.