Liverpool FC have received no approaches for Lucas Leiva but the long-serving midfielder's future at the club remains uncertain.
The Brazil international slipped down the pecking order last season and the summer acquisition of German midfielder Emre Can has further increased competition for places.
The Reds are prepared to listen to offers for the 27-year-old but so far none have been forthcoming.
Lucas has been linked with a move to Italy and a reunion with former Liverpool boss Rafa Benitez at Napoli.
However, the ECHO understands that the Serie A outfit currently have no plans to table a bid to sign him this summer.
They would be interested in taking him on a season-long loan but they believe it's unlikely Liverpool would agree to a temporary switch.
Lucas spent two months on the sidelines after suffering knee ligament damage back in January and on his return he found his opportunities limited.
Brendan Rodgers' decision to switch to playing with just one holding midfielder left Lucas having to settle for bench duty with skipper Steven Gerrard operating in the deep lying role in front of the back four.
His lack of action contributed to him suffering the bitter disappointment of being overlooked by Brazil coach Luiz Felipe Scolari for the World Cup in his homeland.
Speculation about Lucas' future has grown since fans noticed that he had removed any mention of Liverpool FC from his profile on Twitter. However, sources close to the player insist that change was made six months ago.
Lucas, who was back at Melwood for the start of pre-season training on Monday, has made 243 appearances for the Reds since his £5million switch from Gremio in 2007.
Pepe Reina remains available for transfer as the Spanish keeper prepares to return to Merseyside later this month.
The shot-stopper spent last season on loan at Napoli but the Italians have no intention of making the move permanent.
With Simon Mignolet now established as Liverpool's No 1, the Reds are keen to get Reina's £110,000 per week salary off the wage bill.
Back in February Rodgers effectively ruled out any possibility of an Anfield comeback for the 31-year-old, citing the open letter Reina wrote to fans last summer as his “goodbye”.
The Reds hope to off-load Reina and bring in a younger keeper to provide competition for Mignolet and Brad Jones.
Liverpool remain on course to complete the £25million transfer of Benfica winger Lazar Markovic by the end of this week.
The Serbian youngster is expected on Merseyside to undergo a medical either Thursday or Friday.
The Brazil international slipped down the pecking order last season and the summer acquisition of German midfielder Emre Can has further increased competition for places.
The Reds are prepared to listen to offers for the 27-year-old but so far none have been forthcoming.
Lucas has been linked with a move to Italy and a reunion with former Liverpool boss Rafa Benitez at Napoli.
However, the ECHO understands that the Serie A outfit currently have no plans to table a bid to sign him this summer.
They would be interested in taking him on a season-long loan but they believe it's unlikely Liverpool would agree to a temporary switch.
Lucas spent two months on the sidelines after suffering knee ligament damage back in January and on his return he found his opportunities limited.
Brendan Rodgers' decision to switch to playing with just one holding midfielder left Lucas having to settle for bench duty with skipper Steven Gerrard operating in the deep lying role in front of the back four.
His lack of action contributed to him suffering the bitter disappointment of being overlooked by Brazil coach Luiz Felipe Scolari for the World Cup in his homeland.
Speculation about Lucas' future has grown since fans noticed that he had removed any mention of Liverpool FC from his profile on Twitter. However, sources close to the player insist that change was made six months ago.
Lucas, who was back at Melwood for the start of pre-season training on Monday, has made 243 appearances for the Reds since his £5million switch from Gremio in 2007.
Pepe Reina remains available for transfer as the Spanish keeper prepares to return to Merseyside later this month.
The shot-stopper spent last season on loan at Napoli but the Italians have no intention of making the move permanent.
With Simon Mignolet now established as Liverpool's No 1, the Reds are keen to get Reina's £110,000 per week salary off the wage bill.
Back in February Rodgers effectively ruled out any possibility of an Anfield comeback for the 31-year-old, citing the open letter Reina wrote to fans last summer as his “goodbye”.
The Reds hope to off-load Reina and bring in a younger keeper to provide competition for Mignolet and Brad Jones.
Liverpool remain on course to complete the £25million transfer of Benfica winger Lazar Markovic by the end of this week.
The Serbian youngster is expected on Merseyside to undergo a medical either Thursday or Friday.
