Lucas: Napoli wanted me in the summer

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Liverpool midfielder Lucas Leiva has admitted that Serie A side Napoli wanted to sign him before the transfer window closed.

There were frequent rumours during the summer that Napoli were in the market for Liverpool midfielder Lucas Leiva and it seems they were true.

Napoli were looking for a defensive midfielder before the start of the 2013-14 campaign and were rejected by Lyon captain Maxime Gonalons and Barcelona’s Javier Mascherano.

The name of Lucas came up often because coach Rafa Benitez is known to be a fan of his since the two men worked together at Liverpool.

“Something was discussed with Napoli in the summer, but nothing that would have suited both sides of the deal,” Lucas said on Radio Marca.

“It is true that Benitez has always had great faith in me.

“I am not talking with anyone at the moment because I have a contract, but as soon as I’m not playing I have to look around.”

The sticking point in negotiations between Napoli and Liverpool was probably that the Italians were looking for a loan while Lucas’ owners would rather complete an outright sale.