Lucas Leiva linked with January loan move to Inter Milan

Liverpool midfielder Lucas Leiva could join Inter Milan in a January loan move, according to reports on Tuesday.

James Pearce of the Liverpool Echo, among other reputable sources, claims Jurgen Klopp is pondering over whether to let the 29-year-old head to the Serie A club next month.

The report also suggests a move to Inter could become permanent in the summer, as the Nerazzurri finally try to sign a player they have often flirted with in the past.

While a valued member of the dressing room with a wealth of experience, Lucas has been a peripheral figure at Anfield this season, managing just three starts in the Premier League.

With Klopp now using the 29-year-old as a centre-back, the former midfielder has found himself behind Joel Matip, Dejan Lovren and Ragnar Klavan in the pecking order.

The return from long-term injury of highly-rated defender Joe Gomez could see Lucas move further out of the reckoning, and Gomez’s availability could be a further reason to allow the Brazilian to leave on loan.

Lucas is Liverpool’s longest-serving player, having joined for £5million from Gremio back in May 2007, as an exciting 20-year-old.

Having endured a very tough first few years on Merseyside, in which he found himself booed against Fulham at Anfield in late 2008, he has grown in stature since.

The South American was named Liverpool’s Player of the Year in 2010/11, and in total, he has made 326 appearances for the club.

Few Reds careers have been as up-and-down as Lucas’, and he has always been a player who has divided opinion. Some will be glad to see him join Inter, while others will see it as a poor decision by Klopp.