Liverpool Transfer News: Lucas Leiva Offer from Galatasaray, Latest Reds Rumours

Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp is reportedly set to have a big decision to make over the future of Lucas Leiva, with Turkish giants Galatasaray preparing to "step up their pursuit" of the Brazilian midfielder. 

Per the Daily Mail's Dominic King, Klopp is not planning to let Lucas go, and the 29-year-old is not trying to force a move, but Galatasaray are preparing to make an offer for the player and can, unlike Liverpool, guarantee him first-team football.

King added that the Istanbul outfit have long been in contact with the Reds about Lucas, and manager Jan Olde Riekerink recently confirmed that he wants to sign the former Gremio man.

Per Sport Witness' Dipesh Agarwal, he said: "Lucas is one of the players we are targeting. We have been in discussions and it is true we want an experienced midfielder."

Indeed, Turkish outlet Sabah (via Agarwal) went as far to report that Liverpool and Galatasaray had agreed a fee of €2.5 million (£2.1 million) for Lucas.

However, King indicated that Klopp still holds Lucas "in high regard" and would prefer to keep hold of him as a squad player.

The problem is, though, he cannot guarantee Lucas a starting place in 2016-17 given the numerous central midfielders Liverpool have in their squad.

Lucas made only 21 starts in the Premier League last term, per WhoScored.com.

And Bleacher Report's Sam Tighe cannot see him starting in central midfield in the coming campaign, with Jordan Henderson, Emre Can and James Milner likely to be preferred:

Meanwhile, Klopp is reportedly still keen on making further additions to his engine room, with 18-year-old Guingamp central midfielder Ludovic Blas being linked with a move to Anfield, per L'Equipe (via the Independent's Mark Critchley).

According to the report, Inter Milan are also interested in the youngster, whose preference is to stay in Ligue 1 and move to Lyon.

Blas is an exciting talent and enjoyed an excellent tournament with France, as they won the UEFA European Under-19 Championship last month.

DANIEL ROLAND/Getty Images

He could be a fine addition to Klopp's squad as he looks to build for the future, but if Liverpool do manage to sign Blas, Lucas would become further marginalised.

At Galatasaray, Lucas would have many more opportunities to play for the first team and could become a key figure as they fight for a 21st Turkish title in 2016-17.

Thus he may well be tempted by the move, and Klopp and the Liverpool fans would surely not begrudge him departing after nine years of service at the club.