West Brom and Crystal Palace set to challenge Rodgers’ resolve on Rickie Lambert

West Brom and Crystal Palace are targeting a shock transfer swoop on Liverpool for Rickie Lambert…

West Brom and Crystal Palace will move for Rickie Lambert in the January transfer window, but only if Liverpool successfully recall Divock Origi from his loan spell with Lille.

SEE MORE:
LFC News
January transfer done deals

According to the Daily Mirror, new Palace boss Alan Pardew is also keen to be reunited with a player he worked with at Southampton, while Albion coach Tony Pulis is also hopeful of adding more fire-power to his survival efforts.

But any potential deal hinges of Brendan Rodgers – who has regularly reiterated his desire to keep Lambert – bringing in another striker, most likely Origi, whose potential return has been muted for several weeks.

The source claims that the Reds have agreed to pay the French Ligue 1 side a £3m fee to ensure that the teenage Belgium international – who they bought for £10m in July and loaned back again for the current season – is returned to Anfield early.

Lambert would be reluctant to leave Anfield but, having realised his Liverpool dream will not result in a regular spot, is equally anxious to play football rather than sit on the bench, and protect his England chances.