Jurgen Klopp described Adam Lallana as a "legend" after confirming he will not play for Liverpool again to avoid any risk of injury. Leicester are favourites to sign him this summer.
The 32-year-old Lallana signed a short-term deal to remain at Anfield for the rest of the delayed season, but he'll then leave the Premier League champions after six years.
Klopp heaped praise on Lallana, who would now only play if the Reds had an injury crisis, as they don't want to risk the former Southampton getting hurt and scuppering a summer move.
"It is clear Adam will leave the club in the summer," said the Reds boss. "But now we have a difficult situation, but I will respect Adam a lot. And everything with Adam is sorted, let me say it like this.
"He is so fit, he is training, everything is fine. But yes, the future is his future, and if we need his help on the pitch we can get it. He is there.
Adam Lallana next club betting
"He trains 100 per cent but as long as we don't need it, he will just train. That is the normal thing.
"I think there were a lot of discussions about players without contracts, with him there was not even a discussion.
"It was clear Adam would extend his contract and he wants to do that as well, but he will not put any risk on his future or whatever. That is absolutely clear."
Leicester favourites to sign 'legend' Lallana
Lallana played 15 times for Liverpool this season, scoring just the one crucial goal in their 1-1 draw at Old Trafford, and Klopp gave an insight into his character by labelling him as one of the most influential players he's seen in training.
A reunion with Brendan Rodgers is the most likely next move according to the bookmakers, but the likes of Burnley, Everton and Newcastle are also being linked - as are former club Southampton.
According to Klopp, any team that signs him will be getting a great free transfer.
"For now, if you ask me about it, I miss already everything about him. He is one of the most influential players on the training quality I have ever had in my life. He is an incredible professional.
"So he is one of the most important players of the time since I am here so I wish him only the best for the future.
"From my point of view he is already a legend here, so he can become a legend somewhere else from next season on."
Verdict: What has Lallana got left?
The £25m signing from Southampton played 128 times for Liverpool, scoring 18 goals and registering 17 assists, and has proved a versatile forward/attacking midfielder for both club and country in his pomp.
Blessed with two great feet, Lallana's main problem at Liverpool was finding the right position. He never had the pace to be a true winger or goalscorer, so was more suited to a deeper role - but the increased hustle and bustle in those areas took their toll on his fitness.
He was an automatic pick for Klopp early on in his tenure, and was key in setting the tempo for the German coach's famous counter-pressing as he developed a hard-working and tackling side to his game that few knew existed.
If he stays fit, he'd be a welcome addition to all the teams mentioned, when you couple his experience and now his medal count along with his technical ability and attitude and professionalism Klopp has talked about.
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