"?Liverpool midfielder Lucas Leiva is on the verge of completing a loan move to Serie A side Inter Milan, with the player set to undergo a medical with the club in the next few hours.
The Brazilian international has found his opportunities with the Reds in the starting XI limited under new boss Jurgen Klopp, and has either been resigned to the substitutes bench, or playing in an unnatural position central defence following a series of injuries to key defenders.
The 29-year-old has spent 10 years with the Merseyside club, and was a regular starter under the likes of former bosses Rafa Benitez and Brendan Rodgers, however Klopp has signalled that the player is not needed for the second half of the season, sparking a decision to move in the winter window.
And according to Gazzetta Dello Sport, via "?Sport Witness, Lucas is set to complete his medical at the San Siro later today that will see the player spend the rest of the season with Inter, with the option to make the deal permanent at the end of the season.
Liverpool to allow Lucas Leiva to join Inter Milan in January - sources: https://t.co/95SvFKND6f pic.twitter.com/cTAI8h7p3h
Thanks to the Italian club's recent takeover from a Chinese consortium, the Serie A giants have afforded the midfielder's wages and completed the deal quickly, meaning Lucas could make his debut for the club in early January when they travel to Udinese.
Having only started three games for Liverpool this season, the move will be one of relief for Lucas, while the Brazilian's move opens the door for returning young defender Joe Gomez to win back his place in the squad following a long term absence through injury.