Liverpool Transfer News: Lucas Leiva, Brendan Rodgers Fallout Rumours Emerge

Liverpool’s long-serving midfielder Lucas Leiva looks set to leave the club on a season-long loan in the coming days, with reports suggesting he is unhappy with Reds boss Brendan Rodgers.

According to David Maddock of the Daily Mirror, Serie A giants Internazionale want the Brazilian on a temporary deal before acquiring him permanently. His departure will reportedly be on the back of some sour circumstances, as he was left out of Liverpool’s matchday squad for their season opener against Stoke City:

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We understand Lucas was desperately unhappy to be left out of the team that visited Stoke on Sunday in search of redemption, and there was a frank exchange with manager Brendan Rodgers.

That fall-out is likely to spell the end of the 28-year-old’s eight-year stint at Anfield, with the Brazilian resigned to the fact he has fallen out of favour after slipping far down the midfield pecking order.

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It’d be a shame if Lucas’ Liverpool career did end on a bitter note. After all, the 28-year-old has become part of the furniture at Anfield in his eight years at the club, and although he's been criticised at times, the Brazilian has never given less than his all in the iconic red jersey.

Merseyside football writer Richard Buxton thinks he may have been overrated in recent years, though:

What may come as a concern to Liverpool supporters is a story about another player falling out with the manager.

According to John Cross and Darren Lewis of the Daily Mirror, the relationship between Rodgers and Raheem Sterling had deteriorated before the winger signed for Manchester City in the summer window. There were also reports that former skipper Steven Gerrard was unhappy with the Northern Irishman after he was omitted from certain squads late last year, per BBC Sport.

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Paul Joyce of the Daily Express wrote that Rodgers is looking to rule with an "iron fist" this season, and his decision to leave the Brazilian out of the squad altogether points to a cutthroat regime being deployed at Anfield following the underwhelming efforts in the previous term.

But some, including Liverpool FC 360, think Lucas still has a potential role to play within this Reds squad:

Ultimately, it’s impossible to tell what's gone on behind closed doors. Lucas’ marginalisation may seem a little harsh for a player who has provided the club with diligent service down the years, and perhaps the whole situation could have been handled in a more amicable manner.

But after summer additions aimed at bolstering midfield, Lucas must have been well aware he’d be on the fringes come the start of the campaign.

Liverpool’s bench for the clash with Stoke included players Rodgers would have considered capable of tipping a tight game in his team’s favour, and even though it may seem harsh on the Brazilian, that must be his priority in a vital season for himself and the Reds.