Liverpool midfielder Lucas Leiva’s transfer to Galatasaray has hit the rocks according to club sporting director Levent Nazifoglu.
“We are no longer pursuing Lucas Leiva, we will continue efforts to sign alternative names instead,” Nazifoglu was quoted as saying by Emre Sarigul.
Lucas was given a 24 hour window to make up his mind regarding his future following Galatasaray reaching a deal with the Reds.
Nazifoglu said: “We spoke with Lucas Leiva last night and he asked us for another day before making his decision,
“The situation will be clearer by tonight.”
It now appears that it was actually Jurgen Klopp and not Lucas who resulted in the deal breaking down.
A source close to the club revealed that Klopp was not keen on the transfer due to the injury problems he is currently facing in defence.
Lucas is not a defender but he did fill in at centre-back at times over the past season. The 29-year-old made a total of 40 appearances in all competitions last season but that was partly down to club captain Jordan Henderson being ruled out with injury.
The Brazilian midfielder is currently the longest serving player in the Liverpool squad having joined from Gremio nine years ago.
Lucas still has another year remaining on his current Liverpool contract but the Reds have yet to enter extension talks.
Follow Emre Sarigul @Turkish_Futbol