Liverpool Transfer News: Latest on Jakub Blaszczykowski and Lucas Leiva Rumours

Liverpool are reportedly set to bid for Borussia Dortmund star Jakub Blaszczykowski, per the latest rumours.

According to Joe Rimmer of the Liverpool Echo, "It's been reported that Brendan Rodgers is preparing a late £10 million bid for the Polish international."

The midfielder has fallen out of favour after Thomas Tuchel replaced Jurgen Klopp and is yet to feature this season.

With Dortmund beginning their season in fine form and having scored 26 goals in their last six matches, the 29-year-old will have a difficult time getting back into the team.

The Reds meanwhile are yet to replace Raheem Sterling with another wide player, so Blaszczykowski would make a useful acquisition.

As the video demonstrates, Blaszczykowski is a technically gifted, creative winger who has the potential to add real incisiveness in the final third:

Indeed, in his last uninterrupted season for the club, he scored 14 goals and assisted a further 15. What will be a concern for Rodgers is the player's injury problems, which have caused him to miss large parts of the last two seasons.

£10 million may not be an earth-shattering amount for a club like Liverpool, particularly following Sterling's big-money move to Manchester City.

However, after signing expensive players who have failed to make the grade, such as Mario Balotelli and Lazar Markovic, Rodgers will be keen to avoid any risks in the transfer market.

Blaszczykowski certainly has the potential to be an excellent signing for the Reds, but the question marks over his fitness will likely see them pursue other targets.

Besiktas Abandon Lucas Leiva Pursuit

According to Rimmer's report, Turkish club Besiktas are no longer pursuing a loan deal for Lucas Leiva, following the Brazilian's appearance for Liverpool against Arsenal on Monday.

Kirsty Wigglesworth/Associated Press

Rodgers has refused to be drawn on his plans for the remainder of the window. Per James Dickenson of the Express, he said: "I've always said I won't be speaking on any transfers, in or out."

Lucas was outstanding in the draw at the Emirates, helping his side record a clean sheet.

The Times' Rory Smith believes Liverpool's reported desire to offload the 28-year-old each summer to be inexplicable:

However, Lucas' appearance may have been borne more out of necessity, due to the absences of Jordan Henderson and Adam Lallana, than it was of Rodgers' desire to include Lucas in his plans.

That said, if it was sheer necessity, then it further points to why the Reds should keep hold of the midfielder, at least until another player can be brought in.

The Brazilian is a calming and solid presence in midfield, whose quiet work behind the scenes often goes unnoticed by most, but has a positive impact on Liverpool's ability to compete.

Lucas may not be a star name in Liverpool's squad, but they would be wise to keep him if they want to return to the Champions League come the end of the season.

Fortunately for the Reds, it appears Lucas is set to stay.