Liverpool midfielder Lucas Leiva is edging closer to a Galatasaray move this summer despite being out injured with a hamstring strain for the next month.
A source close to Galatasaray told Emre Sarigul that talks with Liverpool over the transfer of Lucas Leiva have reached an advanced stage and that the club are confident that a deal will be struck. Talks have been ongoing for the past few weeks and the Reds are open to selling the 29-year-old. Galatasaray initially wanted a loan move but are now pushing for a permanent transfer on a three-year contract.
Lions boss Riekerink recently confirmed that he wants Lucas at the club during his pre-match press conference ahead of the Manchester United friendly last Saturday.
Riekerink said: “Lucas is one of the players we are targeting. We have been in discussions and it is true we want an experienced midfielder.”
Galatasaray sporting direcotr Leven Nazifoglu meanwhile revealed that it would not be a surprise if Lucas were to join, speaking on Turkish sports radio station Radyospor.
“If Lucas Leiva puts pen to paper on a deal for Galatasaray it would not be a surprise to be honest,” he said said.
Lucas would end a nine-year stint at Liverpool if he were to leave over the summer and would join former teammate Martin Skrtel in the Super Lig
Follow Emre Sarigul @Turkish_Futbol