LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - Sunday, May 7, 2017: Liverpool's Lucas Leiva in action against Southampton during the FA Premier League match at Anfield. (Pic by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)

Newcastle United enquire about move for Lucas Leiva

Newly promoted Newcastle United are said to have set their sights on Liverpool midfielder Lucas Leiva, for a possible reunion with Rafa Benitez.

Lucas spent three seasons under Benitez on Merseyside, making 121 appearances, having been signed by the Spaniard in 2007.

The 30-year-old has outlasted four managers at Liverpool, but is expected to leave this summer, despite Jurgen Klopp affording him 31 outings in 2016/17.

Having already courted interest from Brighton & Hove Albion, Lucas is also on the radar of Premier League new boys Newcastle, according to the Northern Echo.

They claim that the Magpies have “enquired about the availability” of the Brazilian, with Benitez earmarking him as an “experienced alternative” to Jack Colback and Isaac Hayden.

It is suggested that, with one year left on his current contract, Lucas would cost around £4 million, which would provide Newcastle with a strong squad option.

Moving to St James’ Park could allow Lucas to prolong his career at the top level, with Benitez spearheading a revival on Tyneside.

Newcastle edged Brighton to the Championship title last season, but can be expected to make a more comfortable foray into the Premier League given their background among England’s elite.

LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - Sunday, May 21, 2017: Liverpool's Lucas Leiva salutes the supporters after the FA Premier League match against Middlesbrough at Anfield. (Pic by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)

However, Newcastle are unlikely to be Lucas’ ideal destination, with the former Gremio youngster admitting earlier in June that he would favour a return to Porto Alegre.

“There was an offer from Gremio in January but I wanted to complete 10 years at Liverpool,” he said.

“Now in the window we had a conversation, but nothing official. I do not hide my desire to return to Gremio, but there are several factors.”

Klopp was rightly reluctant to part ways with Lucas in January, and this proved to be a wise move given the amount of times he was required to turn out in both midfield and defence.

But this summer—after Lucas marked a decade with the Reds—is likely to be a different story, with Klopp turning his focus elsewhere.

While a move for Southampton‘s Virgil van Dijk has so far proved unsuccessful, Klopp is eager to add another top-level centre-back to his ranks, with Stefan de Vrij among those linked.

And in midfield, Emre Can and Jordan Henderson will be preferred in the deep-lying role, while RB Leipzig’s Naby Keita remains the priority to strengthen.

More from This Is Anfield

Fan Comments