Scottish Premiership giants Rangers have been linked with an ambitious swoop for Steven Gerrard’s former Liverpool teammate Lucas Leiva.
Rangers might have been linked with the likes of Jermain Defoe and Martin Skrtel this summer but Lucas Leiva may be their most ambitious target of the lot.
The Scottish Sun reports that new Rangers manager Steven Gerrard is keen to link up with his former Liverpool midfield partner at Ibrox this summer. And the paper believed that the Brazilian international would be tempted by the chance to reunite with Gerrard in Scotland.
But a deal always seemed unlikely, not just because Lucas has a contract until 2020 and Lazio are not keen to sell.
The 31-year-old has just finished arguably the most impressive season of his professional career, a player who was a useful squad member and emergency centre-back at Liverpool blossoming into the midfield anchor at the Stadio Olympico.
Lucas replaced the Lazio veteran Lucas Biglia with ease and revelled in his new, freer role as Lazio finished fifth, missing out on Champions League qualification thanks to a heartbreaking final day defeat against Inter Milan.
And, in an end of season message posted on his official Instagram account, Lucas has dropped a huge hint that he will still be a Lazio player next season, which could just kill off Rangers’ hopes.
“Yesterday I finished my first season with this shirt. The result of yesterday was not what we wanted, but I come here to thank all the support and affection I received this season.
“From the first day I was very well received by my companions and staff of the Club. In the city my family feels very happy.
“Unfortunately, our goal yesterday was not achieved, but now we have to analyse and return next year to take it again.
“C’mon Lazio!”
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