Football
Kevin Palmer 9y

Rickie Lambert prepared to leave Liverpool - sources

Liverpool striker Rickie Lambert has conceded that he expects to leave the Anfield club this summer, a source has told ESPN.

Lambert struggled to make his mark in his first season with Liverpool following a surprise move from Southampton last summer, with Aston Villa strongly linked with a move to sign the England striker in the last January transfer window.

With Lambert eager to do all he could to make a success of his spell with his hometown club, he opted to remain at Anfield until the end of the last season and yet it seems as if the 33-year-old is now preparing to make a move ahead of the new Premier League season.

The arrival of attacking stars Danny Ings and Roberto Firmino ahead of the new Premier League season has fuelled speculation that Lambert will leave Liverpool this summer, with the futures of Anfield forwards Mario Balotelli and Fabio Borini also uncertain.

West Bromwich Albion have been strongly linked with a move for Lambert in recent days, while Crystal Palace manager Alan Pardew -- who signed Lambert for Southampton in 2009 -- is also rumoured to be considering a move for the forward.

Meanwhile, Aston Villa have again reported to be interested in signing the veteran striker.

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