Galatasaray have officially pulled out of the race to sign Liverpool midfielder Lucas Leiva according to club sporting director Levent Nazifoglu.
Nazifoglu was quoted by Emre Sarigul as saying: “Lucas is no longer on our agenda, Klopp did not want him to leave, we are seeking alternatives.”
The Lions were on the verge of signing Lucas and the Brazilian midfielder wanted to make the move according to football agent Metin Korkmaz – who helped broker the deal on behalf of Galatasaray – but Jurgen Klopp blocked the move.
“Klopp was behind the transfer hitting the rocks, he wants Lucas to stay and the player had to listen,” Kormaz said.
“If it was up to Lucas he would have made the transfer.”
The latest development gives Inter the green light to pursue their transfer target essentially without competition according to the Daily Star.
The Italian giants are now favourite to sign Lucas if of course Klopp has a change of heart and allows the Reds veteran to leave.
Lucas is currently the most experienced member of the Liverpool squad having joined the club nine years ago from Brazilian giants Gremio.
Liverpool have already sold one player to Turkey this summer in defender Martin Skrtel who was snapped up by Galatasaray rivals Fenerbahce.
Follow Emre Sarigul @Turkish_Futbol