Lallana 'is set to return to Southampton' - 10 years after leaving for Liverpool

Adam Lallana is edging closer to an extraordinary Southampton return after a decade away from St Mary's.

The 36-year-old is available on a free transfer after it was announced that he will be leaving Brighton and Hove Albion after four years.

And it seems Lallana wants to return home to the Saints after spending 14 years at the club between 2000 and 2014, starting as a youth player and as a key figure.

Southampton are back in the Premier League after beating Leeds United in the Championship play-off final on Sunday.

Lallana was in attendance to see the Saints' stunning display, and according to the Athletic, the midfielder is expected to become Russell Martin's second signing of the summer.

The former England international started his senior career at Southampton in 2006 after six years in the academy.

He went on to make 265 appearances for the club, playing a major part in their promotion to the Premier League back in 2012.

After impressing in two top-flight seasons for the Saints he moved to Liverpool where he made 178 appearances in all competitions, scoring 22 goals and providing the same number of assists.

Lallana won the Premier League and the Champions League during six years on Merseyside before a four-year stint at Brighton followed.

Now, upon the expiry of his contract, Southampton are keen on him slotting into a player-coach just like he did at the Seagulls.

The move has not been completed yet but is seemingly close to being finalised.

This follows the permanent signing of on-loan centre-back Taylor Harwood-Bellis from Manchester City for £20million.