Liverpool reluctant to loan Lucas, but player says yes to Napoli

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Brazilian midfielder Lucas Leiva has reportedly agreed to sign for Napoli, but the Italians have to convince Liverpool to do the deal.

The latest reports in Italy suggest that Lucas Leiva is willing to move to Napoli but Liverpool still have to be convinced over the format of the move.

Napoli have been chasing a solid midfield signing for weeks since their long-running attempt to sign Lyon’s Maxime Gonalons ended in disappointment.

Having been linked with Barcelona’s Javier Mascherano, Napoli appear to have settled on Liverpool man Lucas, who coach Rafa Benitez rates highly.

According to Italian newspaper Il Mattino, Lucas has already given his consent to joining Napoli as he feels his first-team opportunities at Liverpool will be limited next term by the arrival of Emre Can.

One of Lucas’ representatives is expected to fly to Rome later this week to thrash out personal terms with Napoli sporting director Riccardo Bigon.

However, Liverpool still need to give their approval and that could prove to be a sticking point.

Liverpool would reportedly want to sell Lucas outright or at least a paid loan with the option to make the deal permanent next summer.

But Napoli are said to be falling well short of Liverpool’s valuation of Lucas, which is said to be around £13 million and are looking for a loan at a favourable rate.