Liverpool are looking like a strong unit this season as they charge toward a title challenge, however one of their veterans may be let go of by manager Jurgen Klopp.

Defensive midfielder Lucas Leiva has made over 300 appearances for Liverpool since joining from Brazilian club Gremio back in 2007. The 29-year-old has been a mainstay in the Reds midfield over this period, but things have changed drastically this season.

Lucas has made only three Premier League starts this campaign, and finds himself in a squad rotation role under Klopp. The German prefers the likes of Jordan Henderson and Emre Can over the Brazilian, and game-time has been hard to come by for Lucas.

Inter Milan boss Stefano Pioli is hoping to take advantage of this, and the Serie A giants are reportedly planning a January move for the player. The Nerazzurri have now inquired about his availability, and Liverpool have informed them that they are willing to let Lucas leave on loan this January, according to the Guardian.

The report adds that Inter would prefer signing Lucas, but are also considering other options like Lass Diarra of Marseille, John Obi Mikel of Chelsea, Milan Badelj of Fiorentina and Luiz Gustavo of Wolfsburg.

Newcastle United's Siem de Jong (R) challenges Liverpool's Lucas Leiva during the English Premier League soccer match between Newcastle United and Liverpool at Saint James' Park stadium in Newcastle, Britain, 06 December 2015. (Photo by Lindsey Parnaby/EPA)
Newcastle United’s Siem de Jong (R) challenges Liverpool’s Lucas Leiva during the English Premier League soccer match between Newcastle United and Liverpool at Saint James’ Park stadium in Newcastle, Britain, 06 December 2015. (Photo by Lindsey Parnaby/EPA)

Lucas Leiva may not be the first player on the team sheet, but his importance to the current Liverpool team cannot be undermined. The Brazilian, along with James Milner, are two of the senior players in an otherwise young side, and Lucas is currently the longest serving Liverpool player in the squad.

The Brazilian’s nine year tenure at Liverpool has been a good one so far, and Lucas has remained faithful to the club despite interest from other clubs. He has been playing in central defence of late, and his versatility and experience is surely an asset for the Reds.

However it looks like Klopp and the club hierarchy have other things in mind, and the player himself may now look to secure a move away in order to play more minutes. Inter would definitely be better off with the Brazilian on their side, as they hope to climb up from 7th position in the Serie A table.

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