Liverpool FC

Liverpool FC face battle to retain in-demand Brazilian

Lucas Leiva could be on his way out of Liverpool amid growing interest from Galatasaray.

A move to Turkey has regularly been in the foreground for the Brazilian in the past 12 months with Besiktas actively targeting him.

But their cross-city Super Lig rivals are now stepping up their intent to land the 29-year-old ahead of the new season.

Galatasaray manager Jan Olde Riekerink confirmed the club’s interest in Lucas last weekend despite a current lack of reciprocation from the midfielder.

Jurgen Klopp is not willing to allow the Reds’ longest-serving player to leave but the Turkish club remain undeterred in their efforts.

They believe that a guarantee of first-team football, likely to be limited by a throng of summer signings at Anfield, may be enough to entice him.

Lucas previously hinted at frustrations with a lack of opportunities at Liverpool earlier this summer.