Atletico Mineiro are keeping tabs on Liverpool defensive midfielder Lucas Leiva, according to Brazilian daily O Tempo.

The 30-year-old, who has struggled for game time in the present campaign, has been linked with a move away from Anfield during the ongoing winter transfer window, with Inter Milan being credited with showing interest in him.

Lucas has thus far clocked up just 752 minutes over 15 appearances in all competitions for the Merseyside giants this season.

The Brazilian joined Liverpool from Gremio in the summer of 2007 and Atletico Mineiro want to take Lucas back to his homeland.

The Alvinegro have switched their attention to Lucas after being frustrated in their efforts to land Sporting Lisbon’s Elias.

However, it has been claimed that Lucas is expecting European clubs to come in for him as he will be deciding his future in the coming weeks.

Further approaches could be forthcoming, especially if any interested party feels the offer from Atletico could tempt the Brazilian to return to his homeland, with Inter Milan regularly linked with a swoop.

Lucas’ present contract with Liverpool will expire in the summer and he has admitted he needs to be playing on a regular basis.

However, Lucas Leiva admits Liverpool’s title challenge could keep him at the club until the end of the season but he is now seriously considering his long-term future.

The midfielder is adamant, however, he will only leave in January if he can secure a permanent deal which would virtually see him to the end of his career.

Lucas has received lucrative offers in the last three transfer windows but did not agitate to leave and ultimately remained on Merseyside as his experience was still needed.

As a result his loyalty has been rewarded with Klopp, albeit reluctantly, accepting he should be allowed to leave should the right bid arrive in this window.