Lallana follows Lambert to Liverpool

Liverpool FC have completed the signing of Adam Lallana from Southampton FC for a fee reported to be in the region of €31m.

England striker Rickie Lambert joined Liverpool from the Saints earlier this summer and 26-year-old Lallana has followed his international team-mate to Anfield, putting pen to paper on a long-term deal.

Speaking to the Liverpool website, Lallana said: "It's a huge step. Liverpool have got so much history and after the season they had last season, I can't wait to get started and carry on and build on that. Champions League football is back; everyone is telling me that the atmosphere on Tuesday and Wednesday evenings at Anfield is something special."

Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers added: "What is apparent about Adam is that his character is on a par with his talent. He is an exceptional young man and someone who has a love for the game – and, most importantly, a desire to progress and improve. Adam is motivated by being the best he can be and being part of something special. We believe he fits right in with what we are trying to do at Liverpool."

Lallana had a career-defining campaign last season, the playmaker's sparkling displays and nine goals in 38 league appearances leading to his selection in the Professional Footballers Association (PFA) Team of the Year and the England World Cup squad. His departure breaks a 14-year association with Southampton, who he linked up with from AFC Bournemouth's academy in 2000.

Lallana joins something of an exodus from St Mary's this summer, with manager Mauricio Pochettino taking the helm at Tottenham Hotspur FC and left-back Luke Shaw completing a switch to Manchester United FC. Liverpool, meanwhile, also brought in Emre Can from Bayer 04 Leverkusen.

The five-time European Cup winners are back in the UEFA Champions League group stage for the first time since 2009/10 having finished second in the Premier League last term.