Anfield switch

goal difference, Manuel Pellegrini’s side need only a draw to be champions for the second time in three seasons. Liverpool would finish top if they won and City lost.

Regardless of the outcome of the title race, the signing of Lallana marks the start of a bold summer of spending by Rodgers to ensure his team are strong enough to compete in both the Premier League and Champions League next season.

Owner John W Henry has promised Rodgers, who will be delighted to land Lallana so early, £60m plus any money he makes on sales.

Rodgers said about his planned revamp: ‘Teams have spent the money trying to get into the top four and can’t get in. For us now, we’re in it. Now we’ve got to do everything we can to stay in.’

Lallana’s departure from Southampton is likely to be followed by manager Mauricio Pochettino, who is wanted by Spurs.

Teenage defender Luke Shaw, who also has an outside chance of being in England’s World Cup party, is being hotly pursued by Manchester United and Chelsea and will seek talks about his future after his club’s final game of the season today, against Manchester United.