GALATASARAY WANT LEIVA

Turkish club Galatasaray are reported to be stepping up their interest in getting long term Reds player Lucas Leiva. The long serving midfielder was set to leave the club after falling in the ranks under coach Jurgen Klopp but in a surprising twist Klopp is now reported to be interested in keeping the player.

The player is currently recovering from hamstring problem he sustained and was recently pictured running again at the club’s training camp in Saint Louis. Leiva played in the first season of Klopp’s coaching but was believed to be ready to leave the club finally, despite being seen in high regard by the coach. Reports now say Klopp doesn’t want the Brazilian to leave Anfield and the player himself has not handed in a transfer request.

The Brazilian international is not tempted by the starting role he could get at Galatasaray when the Reds can’t guarantee he would play. Klopp is reported to be monitoring the future of the player still before he makes a decision but he doesn’t want the player to leave just yet, despite adding seven more players to the squad this season.

The Turkish team have been upfront in their desires for the player as they hope to consolidate on their previous performances in Europe. They are likely to return to discuss the player with Liverpool as manager Jan Ole Riekerink is keen on getting Leiva soonest. Klopp has warned his former rival Pep Guardiola that he relished another opportunity to compete but added that this time around, it would be much more different from the times he beat him to the title. Liverpool will not be playing in Europe, hence have only the domestic competitions to look forward to. They will be hoping they surpass their two-time second place finishes of the last term.