Liverpool close in on Lambert deal

Liverpool are close to agreeing the summer switch of Southampton and England forward Rickie Lambert, according to reports

It is thought the Saints frontman could move for around £4million and be one of as many as NINE players set to leave St Mary's this summer.

The speculation comes just two days after the confirmation of manager Mauricio Pochettino's appointment as the new head coach at Tottenham.

Southampton rejected a similar approach from West Ham for Lambert in January, but the 32-year-old is believed to be keen on a move to Anfield, where he spent five years as a youth player before being released.

The frontman netted 14 goals in 39 games for Saints last season, and was rewarded for his impressive form with a place in England's 23-man squad for the summer's World Cup.

A move to Merseyside could see Lambert link up with St Mary's team-mate Adam Lallana, who is also reportedly high on Reds boss Brendan Rodgers' wanted list.