Lucas Leiva is close to leaving Liverpool after Lazio tabled a £5 million bid.
The former Brazil international has spent over a decade at Anfield but is expected to seal an emotional exit amid an increased level of competition in his role.
Lucas has already found himself demoted behind the likes of Georginio Wijnaldum, Emre Can and Jordan Henderson in the Reds’ midfield pecking order.
Naby Keita’s likely arrival from RB Leipzig would further limit the 30-year-old’s prospects after he was used as a makeshift defender by Jurgen Klopp last season.
Gremio, the player’s former club, had expressed an interest in re-signing him as did Brighton, Celtic and Newcastle United, managed by his ex-Liverpool boss Rafael Benitez.
But Lazio have firmed up their interest with a formal offer, which may see Lucas play his last game in a Liverpool shirt before the new season has even begun.
Talks are ongoing between the relevant parties and could see the player omitted from plans to feature in Friday’s friendly against Wigan Athletic.
Lucas, now in the final 12 months of his current deal, will consider his options before Liverpool’s trip to Hong Kong for the Premier League Asia Trophy.