Lucas Leiva to Besiktas: Liverpool midfielder may stay at Anfield after surprise inclusion

Reds boss Brendan Rodgers casts doubt over the Brazilian's transfer

(Getty)

Liverpool midfielder Lucas Leiva may be set to stay at Anfield after both the player and Beşiktaş officials were stunned to learn of his inclusion in the squad to face Arsenal on Monday night.

The 28-year-old was expected to travel to Turkey to complete a medical this week but it now remains a very real possibility that he may stay in England.

While Beşiktaş remain hopeful the deal, expected to be an initial loan move with a view to a permanent switch, will still go through, the Reds may opt to keep the Brazilian.

Lucas was named in Brendan Rodgers' first-team line-up for the 0-0 draw at the Emirates in place of the injured Jordan Henderson.

When asked whether Lucas would be a Liverpool player when the window closes, Rodgers said: "Yes, Lucas is our best defensive midfield player we have.

"There are games in which I will pay three midfield players and not always want a specific defensive one.

"But when we do need that, he's the best that we have. He came in at Arsenal and did a great job, and is very much part of what we want to do.

Brendan Rodgers and Arsene Wenger at the Emirates (GETTY IMAGES)

"Of course, every player wants to play every minute of every game and you can never guarantee that as a manager.

"But he is certainly very important to what we want to do, and is highly respected by myself, the coaching staff and the players."