Liverpool: Lucas Leiva pondering Anfield exit after being snubbed for Stoke City clash

Liverpool midfielder Lucas Leiva is reportedly heading for an Anfield exit after being snubbed by Brendan Rodgers for the Reds' opening Premier League game against Stoke City on Sunday, 9 August, according to The Guardian.

The Brazilian midfielder was omitted from the matchday squad as the Northern Irishman opted for James Milner and Jordan Henderson at the heart of the midfield, while Emre Can came on as a substitute later in the game.

Lucas, who has struggled with injuries in the past, but made his way to the first-team in the 2014/15 season following his recovery. However, he fell down the pecking order since the former Manchester City midfielder's arrival at the club.

Rodgers also has the services of Joe Allen, who is currently injured. This has pushed the Brazilian down the order and is currently the fifth choice for a place in Liverpool's midfield. This has put his future at the club in doubt yet again, after being heavily linked with a move during the January transfer window.

Inter Milan are linked with a move for the midfielder, and the report claims that Lucas, who has stayed and fought for his place could consider a move away from the club if a suitable offer arrives.

Lucas could become Liverpool's 10<sup>th summer departure, following the exits of Raheem Sterling, Rickie Lambert, Sebastian Coates, Steven Gerrard, Brad Jones, Glen Johnson, who have left the club on a permanent basis, while Danny Ward, Kevin Stewart and Andre Wisdom are out on season-long loan deals.

Meanwhile, former Liverpool striker John Aldridge has heaped praise on young defender Joe Gomez after an impressive debut for the Reds during their 1-0 win over Stoke in the opening weekend of the Premier League.

I'm wary of speaking too much, too soon about a young footballer, but I think Liverpool may have 'found one' in Joe Gomez," the former Reds striker wrote in his column for the Liverpool Echo.

"I watched this lad closely during pre-season, because I'd heard very good things about him from people who saw him at Charlton Athletic. And throughout the summer, he just kept impressing," wrote Aldridge, the Reds' official site stated.

"He earned his chance at Stoke with his performances in Australia and the Far East, and I'll tell you something, he's done himself no harm with the way he played on his Premier League debut either."

"He's 18 years of age, but you wouldn't know it to watch him. He's so comfortable, composed, quality. That was a superb performance from the young man. He's got a big future, Gomez," the former Reds striker added.