Anfield battler set for Italian switch.
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Italian source SportMediaSet claim that Liverpool have agreed a deal to sell midfielder Lucas Leiva to Napoli.
The 27 year old has struggled with injuries of late and the arrival of a number of summer signings was more than likely to lead to the Brazilian playing a limited role in first team matters at Anfield and as such a move to Serie A may be best for all concerned.
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Lucas started just over half of Liverpool’s Premier League fixtures last season.
Napoli boss Rafa Benitez, who brought Lucas to Merseyside back in 2007, will pay an initial €2m (£1.6m) fee to loan the player for 2014/15 and will then have the option to make the deal a permanent one for a further €10m (£7.9m).
Lucas Leiva offers Liverpool a strong tackling midfield presence but with Steven Gerrard reverting to a more withdrawn role and Joe Allen and Jordan Henderson on hand to act as protection to the club’s more creative talents, there is perhaps less need to keep hold of the former Gremio man.
Leiva has made 244 appearances for Liverpool.
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