Although no one was really taking Turkish side Besiktas’s interest in Liverpool midfielder Lucas Leiva all that seriously, it now sounds like it’s time to face reality with the head of their transfer committee confirming that not only are talks under way, but they’re progressing rapidly.
After offloading highly rated midfielder Mateo Kovacic to Spanish giants Real Madrid, Italian side Inter Milan looked to be favourites to sign up the 28-year old after expressing an interest in him, but it now looks like he’ll be heading to Istanbul instead with injuries to Toglay Arslan and Veli Kavlak leaving the Super Lig side light in the middle of the park and prompting swift action from boss Senol Gunes.
“Lucas is a player on our shortlist, talks are ongoing,” Besiktas transfer committee head Erdal Torunogullari said when asked about the Black Eagles interest in Lucas. “A loan deal is likely,” he continued, confirming rumours that emerged earlier this week. “It could go ahead within the next two days.”
The Brazilian may be the Reds longest serving player following the departure of club legend Steven Gerrard at the end of the last season, but it’s pretty apparent that he doesn’t have much of a future on Merseyside. Left out of the squad for the opening two matches of the season and apparently on the outs with boss Brendan Rodgers, playing time would likely be limited for the 28-year old should he choose to stay Anfield, and though that’s never stopped him before, this time seems a bit different.
More on this as it progresses…
