Italian Sources Claim Liverpool Set For First January Transfer – Midfielder Set For A Loan Deal?

Liverpool midfielder Lucas Leiva could be the first player to leave Liverpool in January as the Brazilian is being linked with a possible move to Serie A.

According to reports, Lucas is being linked with a move to Inter Milan and Napoli but the former seem to be ahead at the moment as Tuttosport revealed the ex-Gremio man’s representatives have opened talks with Inter for a potential a loan move next month.

Lucas’ representatives have traveled to Milan this week in view of striking a deal that will allow him to make the switch come January.

The move might come as a surprise as the 27-year old has managed to get back in Brendan Rodgers’ first team plans and has made 13 appearances so far this season. With captain Steven Gerrard struggling in the holding role in the recent past, Rodgers has called upon Lucas to provide the protection to his back four this season. In fairness, he hasn’t been too bad as Liverpool have conceded fewer goals with Lucas in their side.

The Brazilian international’s best year was undoubtedly the 2011-12 season when he was probably their best player before getting injured. He signed a contract extension in April 2013 that will keep him at the club until the summer of 2017.

Inter Milan will strengthen in January as it’ll be Roberto Mancini’s first transfer window as manager since his return and he has identified Lucas as a potential signing. However, with Liverpool playing in four competitions this season, Rodgers will need a squad with good depth. So unless they identify a replacement, it’s unlikely that Lucas will be offloaded, and even so when he is finally getting some games with the side.

After an impressive 2011-12 season, a succession of injuries have slowed Lucas’ growth at Liverpool. He wasn’t a prominent player last season but could yet have a future with Liverpool if he puts in assured displays like the ones against Leicester and Bournemouth.