Liverpool are preparing to sell Brazilian midfielder Lucas Leiva to fund a possible move for Southampton defender Dejan Lovren. The Reds have had a £20 million bid for the Croatian International declined by The Saints however the St Mary’s club have told Liverpool that £25 million is enough for the club to part ways with the 25-year-old.
The player has demanded a move away from St Mary’s and has even threatened not to turn up to pre-season training but Southampton will not shift their valuation of the Croatian.
Liverpool are hoping to sell Lucas Leiva to fund the Croatian’s move to Anfield and according to reports in Italy, Napoli are closing in on a move for the 27-year-old, but only want the Brazilian on loan with the option to buy later.
Liverpool are happy to have open talks regarding a possible loan to Italy for the Brazilian, but would rather sell the player outright to gain the extra funds for the move immediately. It is understood that Inter Milan are also interested in the 27-year-old, but it is unknown which club will meet the Merseyside club’s demands for the player. If a transfer of Lucas Leiva completes a transfer elsewhere, it is likely that Lovren will be arriving at Anfield later this transfer window.
By Ollie Carroll
Twitter: @OllieCarroll99
