Manchester United have been encouraged in their pursuit of Adam Lallana from crisis-hit Southampton.

The Daily Star says the move could be accelerated with the news that top Saints stars could leave if Mauricio Pochettino steps down as boss.

He always pledged he would quit if Nicola Cortese - the man who appointed him - left. Cortese walked away yesterday.

Lallana is rated at around £15m-plus and his camp are aware that United are interested.

 For breaking stories and all the great banter like us on Facebook: facebook.com/tribalfootball