Looking for a new central midfielder ahead of the new campaign, Lazio have been linked with a vast number of players, especially from England’s top two leagues.
Marten de Roon and Jordy Clasie were the first, and when that came to nothing, a brief mention of Emre Can appeared, only for it to be quickly dismissed.
Now, a new name has emerged thanks to Gazzetta dello Sport on Wednesday, as the Italian newspaper claim the Serie A side have turned to another Liverpool midfielder: Lucas Leiva.
Currently earning around €3m/year at Anfield, the Brazilian utility player isn’t out of contract, but there’s a general feeling that if the right offer for him came along, he’d be allowed to leave, presumably on a free as a thank you for his services.
Not guaranteed to start at Liverpool, the 30-year-old would probably have more of a chance of doing so in Rome, and would still play European football after Simone Inzaghi’s side finished fourth in Serie A last year.
There’s definitely no mention of talks in Gazzetta dello Sport, nor is there in Il Tempo, who also mention the interest.
However, Il Messaggero are the ones who go big on this one, explaining that Igli Tare, Lazio’s director of football, has been in talks with Liverpool regarding a deal for Leiva.
What doesn’t make a lot of sense here is the proposed move.
The Italian newspaper explain the Serie A side are working on a free loan with an option to buy next season.
Yet, if Leiva only has one year left on his deal, they could just offer him a contract in January and sign him on a free.
It’s a weird one, and hopefully things will get cleared up soon.
