Liverpool have signed Hoffenheim forward Roberto Firmino in a £29m deal, throwing ex-Saints striker Rickie Lambert's future at Anfield into further doubt.

Brazil international Firmino, 23, has agreed a five-year contract with the Reds and will complete his move subject to a medical, after the conclusion of this summer's Copa America.

Liverpool have already signed Burnley striker Danny Ings this summer, and still have funds left for another centre-forward, with their sights set on Sevilla's £20m-rated Colombia striker Carlos Bacca and Zenit St Petersburg's Venezuelan Salomon Rondon, valued at about £15m - although they are refusing to consider Aston Villa's £32.5m release clause for Christian Benteke.

All that makes it increasingly likely that Lambert will play an even more diminished role this coming season than he did last.

After making what was a dream move to his boyhood club last summer, the 33-year-old started just 12 games for Liverpool - with only seven of those coming in the Premier League.

He also made 24 substitute appearances across all competitions during the season, but scored only three goals.

Lambert was one of three Saints players to move to Anfield last summer, with Adam Lallana and Dejan Lovren also making the switch in big-money deals.

Manager Brendan Rodgers is again looking to raid St Mary's in the current window, having had a £10m bid for right-back Nathaniel Clyne rejected.

They are said to be unwilling, however, to match the £15m that Saints are believed to want for the England international, who has just one year left on hiis contract.