Messi De Jong Montolivo
Nigel de Jong [Reuters] Reuters

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Liverpool star Lucas Leiva has welcomed the potential arrival of AC Milan midfielder Nigel de Jong to Anfield before the transfer window shuts at 11pm GMT on Friday.

The Brazilian picked up a knee ligament injury during Liverpool's 2-2 draw against Aston Villa and could be out of action for the next four to six weeks. The Dutch international has been a transfer target for Brendan Rodgers as the Reds were preparing a loan move for the former Manchester City midfielder till the end of the season.

Lucas has admitted that he is open to have players taking his place in Liverpool starting lineup. The 27-year-old claims that the addition of De Jong will not be threatening, but he insists that it will further strengthen the Reds' squad.

"All I heard about that were rumours. We still have a few days until the window closes. Obviously my injury will keep me away for five, six weeks, but I don't that has a lot to do with it. Anyone who gets hired will be to strengthen the squad," Lucas told ESPN Brazil.

"We have very few midfielders in our team and especially in my position. It's nothing that I see as threatening. We'll just have to wait and see. De Jong is a player who was very successful here in Manchester City, he's a great player.

"If he comes, it will be good, because it will help to make the group stronger. Unfortunately, we had a few injury issues with some other big players, so it's always good to have a strong squad," he added.

Liverpool registered a 4-0 crushing victory over their arch rivals Everton during the Merseyside derby at Anfield earlier this midweek. Meanwhile, Tottenham Hotspur suffered a 1-5 defeat to Manchester City to White Hart Lane on Wednesday.

With defeats for Everton and Spurs, Liverpool have seen their gap increase as they maintain their fourth spot. The Reds have 46 points from 23 games and are leading fifth place Spurs by three points and sixth place Everton by four.

Liverpool face West Bromwich Albion in the next fixture and a victory over them could see the Reds get closer to 50 points mark.

Brendan Rodgers