Former Reds star fears his current boss could be set to succeed Jurgen Klopp

Former Liverpool midfielder Adam Lallana won't be surprised if Brighton boss Roberto De Zerbi succeeds Jurgen Klopp at his former club, even though he doesn't want him to go.

Lallana moved to the Seagulls in 2020 after a fruitful six years on Merseyside, boasting Premier League and Champions League glory while earning adoration as a cornerstone of the Liverpool side during Klopp's early years at the club.

A source of experience in a youthful Brighton side, Lallana has found success on the south coast under the tutelage of De Zerbi, helping fire them into the Europa League for the first time in their history.

However, following Klopp's shock announcement that he intends to depart Liverpool come the end of the season, the Argentinian has emerged as one of the front-runners to replace the German in the Anfield dugout.

This hardly comes as no shock to Lallana, who recognises just how good Brighton have got it under De Zerbi.

"It wouldn't surprise me," the former Liverpool midfielder told talkSPORT. "I think all the clubs are looking at Roberto.

"In my eyes, he is one of the best coaches in the world. We will see. It's like a domino effect with these managers at the moment, managers are always under pressure wherever you go. I don't know if that puts you off going into that after, but that's just the world we live in."

Evoking a similar reaction to every Reds fan on the planet, Lallana was left in disbelief when his former boss revealed that he would be heading out the Anfield exit after nine seasons in charge.

Drawing on his own experience, the Englishman compares it to when club icon Steven Gerrard announced his impending Liverpool departure way back in 2014 - just a few months after Lallana had moved to Merseyside.

"Although it probably makes sense, it gave me that feeling that something didn't feel right," Lallana added.

"I had the same feeling the day it was announced Stevie was leaving Liverpool. I remember being at the club. That mammoth figure of the football is leaving and it's strange."

With Liverpool still close to his heart, Lallana hopes that the Reds can use the announcement to fuel a successful final season under Klopp - just not in the Europa League given Brighton's presence.

"I’m really glad he can have four or five months to prepare for the exit," he said. "He will get all the accolades he deserves.

"It might just give them that extra boost they might need to get another couple of titles - we just hope it’s not the Europa League.

"I think the squad for whoever takes the job is amazing. The transition from the era when I was there, when you've got Salah, Mane, Firmino, Henderson, Gini [Wijnaldum] - it's a different Liverpool now. It's exciting for whoever takes the job next, they can put their own stamp on it."