Inter Milan Interested in Liverpool Star Lucas Leiva

Inter Milan are keeping tabs on Liverpool midfielder Lucas Leiva in order to strength their midfield - after it was reported that the player could be heading for the Anfield exit door in the summer.

The 27-year-old - who joined the Reds from Gremio in 2007 for £5m - has been a key player for the Reds in the few last years despite being initially criticised by fans. He made just 29 appearances last season due to injuries and being left out by boss Brendan Rodgers – who preferred to partner Joe Allen with Steven Gerrard in the midfield.

However, the Brazil international - who was left out of Luiz Felipe Scolari's Brazil squad - revealed that he understood his marginal role at Liverpool last campaign, saying Gerrard's excellence in the holding role makes it "difficult for Brendan Rodgers to change things."

Rodgers said: "I've got to say Lucas has been absolutely incredible in his attitude, It's been hard for him because he played a high percentage of the games when he was fit and obviously then got his injury. The team has done really well in his absence."

According to Sport Mediaset, the Italian giants are interested in the Brazilian as they are looking to sign a quality central midfielder in the summer – but the player's high wages could be a problem for them.

Last week it was reported that former Liverpool boss Rafael Benitez, now at Napoli, is also keen on the midfielder, who he brought to Anfield in 2007. It is thought that Benitez is also interested in defender Daniel Agger.

Both Napoli and Inter Milan have been given a huge boost after the Reds announced the signing of another midfielder, Emre Can, from Bayer Leverkusen for £9.75m. The versatile midfielder became Rodgers' third acquisition of the summer following the arrivals of former Southampton duo Adam Lallana and Rickie Lambert.