Liverpool midfielder Lucas Leiva is understood to have accepted a deal to join Inter Milan in the coming January transfer window, according to Italian newspaper La Gazzetta dello Sport.
The Brazilian has made 12 appearances for the Reds so far this season, but many of those have come from the substitutes bench as the defensive midfielder struggles to win a regular starting spot in Jurgen Klopp’s side.
Inter, who are currently seventh in Serie A, are keen on bringing Lucas to the San Siro and have reportedly agreed to terms with the player that could see him move to the club on loan in the new year, despite some reports suggesting he will sign on a permanent deal.
The Nerazzurri are currently wary of financial fair play restrictions and cannot afford to buy new players for fear of being punished for exceeding the maximum limit placed on spending in one season.
The loan deal is understood to be for the rest of the season but will not include an option to buy the player at the end of the six-month period.
But whilst the two parties have agreed on the move, Liverpool have yet to confirm the move and the decision will ultimately lie with manager Jurgen Klopp, who may wish to refuse the move if he feels Lucas adds value to his squad.
The Brazilian joined the Reds back in 2007 and has made over 200 appearances for the club. At 29, he is desperate for first team football and perhaps feels his limited chances so far this season suggests he is not at the forefront of Klopp’s plans.
Should the deal fall through, then Inter will turn to their backup options which are rumoured to be Wolfsburg’s Luis Gustavo or Frenchman Lassana Diarra, who currently plies his trade with Marseille.