Liverpool veteran Lucas Leiva has asked for a time of 24 hours to decide whether to stay at Anfield or to leave the club. Lucas has been constantly linked with Galatasaray throughout this summer. The Turkish club’s manager Jan Olde Riekerink previously confirmed the interest in signing the veteran midfielder.
"Lucas is one of the players we are targeting. We've been in discussions."
But now it looks like the decision is in the hands of the player. Galatasaray board member Levent Nazifolu revealed that they have made contact with the Leiva and the player has asked for more time to consider his options.
Trending
Klopp wanted to keep the Brazilian at the club as a defensive cover. But now with the new signing Joel Matip back from injury it opens the options for Lucas to leave the club.
A move to the Turkish side can certainly benefit the career of the 29-year-old. Jordan Henderson, James Milner and Emre Can are all ahead of Lucas in the race for the starting place. The Istanbul Giants can offer the midfielder a guaranteed starting place and are keen to sign him.A fee in the range of £2 - £3 million is set to be offered to the Merseyside club and the decision now rests in the player’s hands.
Lucas joined Liverpool nine years ago and has made over 300 appearances for the Reds. He is the longest-serving player in the squad, signed by Rafa Benitez from Gremio for £5 million. Lucas suffered abuse and criticism from fans in his first few seasons at the club but has won over much of the fan base with his tireless commitment to the club in his nine seasons at Anfield.
Galatasaray may turn to Manchester United outcast Bastian Schweinsteiger if Lucas decides to stay at Liverpool. The German midfielder is banished to reserves by new boss Jose Mourinho and is expected to leave the club this summer.
