Liverpool will listen to offers for Brazilian midfielder Lucas Leiva in the summer

Liverpool are reportedly willing to listen to offers for midfielder Lucas Leiva in the summer, with Inter Milan keen on signing him.

According to the Mirror, Brendan Rodgers is willing to let the Brazilian leave the club since he prefers Joe Allen in midfield, as the Welshman gives more to the Reds going forward than Leiva.

Roberto Mancini tried signing the Brazilian midfielder during this year's January transfer window, but was rebuffed by the club as they did not want to lose a player midway through the season.

However, the report claims that the Northern Irishman is ready to let him leave as he is confident of landing midfielder James Milner on a free transfer from Manchester City.

The former Aston Villa midfielder has refused an offer of a new contract from the Etihad Stadium outfit and will be allowed to move to a club of his choosing in the summer. Apart from the Merseyside club, Arsenal were also said to be interested in signing the versatile midfielder, who can also play on the right wing or as full back.

Rodgers is confident of signing him and believes that with Milner's addition to the squad he will have enough midfielders in Jordan Henderson, Allen and Emre Can, making Leiva surplus to requirements.

The Inter boss is said to be still interested in signing the player, whom he knows well from his time in English football with City. But he could face competition from Rafa Benitez, who is also a big admirer of the player he signed for Liverpool during his stint as the Reds manager in 2007.

The former Swansea City boss is actively looking for midfielders to strengthen his team following the departure of Steven Gerrard, who is moving to the MLS at the end of the current campaign.