Lucas Leiva to leave Liverpool: Club 'willing to listen to offers' for Brazil midfielder in bid to balance the books

Lucas could leave the club this summer

Brazilian midfielder Lucas Leiva (Getty Images)

Lucas Leiva could be a surprise casualty of Liverpool's determined recruitment drive this summer after reports emerged linking the Brazil midfielder with an exit this summer.

Liverpool look set to seal their sixth signing this week after Nathaniel Clyne underwent a medical at the club’s Melwood training complex today, with confirmation of the £12.5m move for the Southampton defender expected to come on Wednesday.

Clyne’s arrival will follow successful moves for James Milner, Danny Ings, Adam Bogdan, Joe Gomez and Roberto Firmino, but the rest of the summer is expected to see manager Brendan Rodgers try and offload a number of his fringe players, and Lucas could be one of those sacrificed this summer.

According to the Daily Mail, the 28-year-old Brazilian could be on his way out of the club with the Reds said to be willing to listen to offers for Lucas. Last summer Lucas was close to a move away from the club with Inter Milan believed to be interested, but he remained with the side for another season and went on to make 32 appearances last term.

Liverpool could sell Lucas Leiva to balance the books (Getty Images)

He could join a number of names making their way through the Anfield exit, having already seen Glen Johnson, Brad Jones and former captain Steven Gerrard leave the club at the end of their contracts.

Uruguayan defender Sebastian Coates is also reported to be close to a move to Premier League side Sunderland, while Fabio Borini’s future remains in severe doubt given Liverpool could use him in their bid to sign Christian Benteke from Aston Villa while West Ham are believed to be weighing up a move for the Italian.

Rickie Lambert is also likely to leave the club having rejected the chance to move elsewhere in January, and Mario Balotelli’ time on Merseyside is likely to be cut short should anyone be willing to make a move for the Italy international.