Liverpool Transfer News: Lucas Digne Chooses Roma over Reds, Lucas Leiva Rumours

Liverpool won't be bringing in the talents of Paris Saint-Germain left-back Lucas Digne this summer following word of his move to Roma, but Brendan Rodgers is holding on to namesake Lucas Leiva amid Turkish interest.

Italian newspaper Gazzetta dello Sport reported that the Giallorossi have agreed to take Digne on a season-long loan for a fee of £1.1 million, per Joe Short of the Daily Express, meaning a move to Anfield is off the table.

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However, Rodgers may no longer need the France international after summer signing Joe Gomez emerged as a surprise first-choice contender at left-back, taking the role as his own this season.

Even then, former Lille star Digne may be considered a more experienced upgrade at the position, with ESPN FC's Julian De Martinis stressing his admiration of the defender following news of his Rome arrival:

"

Digne is young, incredibly talented and plays a position of real need for Roma. Very, very excited about this!

— Julian De Martinis (@JulianDM11) August 25, 2015"

Gomez moved to Anfield from Charlton Athletic this summer and was expected to leave Liverpool on loan, but his work in pre-season has resulted in a promotion ahead of Alberto Moreno and Jose Enrique.

His evolution has been especially impressive, according to James Pearce of the Liverpool Echo, considering most of his time at The Valley was spent playing at right-back or centre-back:

It speaks volumes of what a talent the 18-year-old is, and there may no longer be a need for Digne after Gomez started in all three Premier League games for Liverpool this season.

Liverpool FC News provides a look at just how Gomez is comparing to the other top left-backs in the Premier League using Opta statistics:

Digne made just 15 Ligue 1 appearances last season as Maxwell retained his place as Laurent Blanc's first-choice left-back, leading the 22-year-old to seek first-team minutes elsewhere.

Gomez may not hold the same renown or European experience just yet, but Liverpool can rest easy knowing they've got their hands on a superbly gifted and versatile defensive talent.

Rodgers Rules Out Lucas Departure

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The book of speculation surrounding Liverpool's Lucas can be closed, it seems, after Rodgers admitted his player will be at Anfield when the transfer window deadline passes on September 1.

The Brazilian was named as a shock start for Liverpool's 0-0 draw at Arsenal on Monday night. When asked if Lucas would be a Liverpool player this season, Rodgers replied "Yes," per the Mirror's Ian Doyle, adding:

"

Lucas is our best defensive midfield player we have. There are games in which I will pay three midfield players and not always want a specific defensive one. 

But when we do need that, he's the best that we have.

He came in at Arsenal and did a great job, and is very much part of what we want to do. 

Of course, every player wants to play every minute of every game and you can never guarantee that as a manager. 

But he is certainly very important to what we want to do, and is highly respected by myself, the coaching staff and the players.

"

Doyle's report mentioned that Super Lig outfit Besiktas had been hoping to acquire the holding midfielder, but it seems Lucas has done enough to prove his worth for the time being.

OptaCan illustrated what an accomplished defensive presence Lucas has been since moving to the Premier League eight years ago, making more tackles than any other player in that span of time:

James Milner's move to the club this summer adds further competition in midfield, but Lucas stands out as a specialist in his role and a useful asset to have around.

With two years left on his Anfield deal, it seems the 28-year-old's Reds career is safe for the time being, with Rodgers buoyed by an impressive season debut at the Emirates Stadium.