Inter Milan and Napoli want to sign Lucas Leiva
Italian sides Inter Milan and Napoli have begun a battle to sign Liverpool midfielder Lucas Leiva.
According to reports in Italy, the pair are negotiating a deal with Liverpool whereby they can loan the Brazilian until the end of the season, with the option to make the deal permanent.
The 28 year-old was heavily linked with a move to Inter last summer but this widespread speculation proved not to materialise any transfers.
Rafa Benitez though will now try to persuade his former club to allow the midfielder to make the switch to Naples this month.
Leiva has been slightly out of favour in recent seasons but has proved a solid understudy to Steven Gerrard.
His run of six consecutive games in the Premier League prove that he may still have more to offer at Anfield and could remain at the club.
The Brazilian has over two years left on his current contract with the Reds so boss Brendan Rodgers will be in no rush to sell the player.
By Phil Wellbrook
