Carragher was speaking to the Mirror when he discussed the potential unrest after the 28-year-old was omitted from the match-day squad for the opening weekend clash against Stoke City.
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“Brendan Rodgers clearly believes there is no need for a dedicated defensive midfielder in his squad any more”, said Lawrenson in his Liverpool Echo column.
According to recent comments from ex-Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher, Brazilian midfielder Lucas Leiva could leave Anfield this summer as he searches for more game-time.
While Liverpool cannot offer the Spaniard first team football, the Anfield outfit can definitely offer him Europa League football and a first team place and this might just tempt the 25 year old away from the Bernabeu.
“I think he would be the better option now because [even if] he’s not ideally suited yet to the holding midfield role, he’s a good young player so you want to keep him involved and keep him happy by giving him games.” The Brazilian had been injury prone throughout last season. There are also call-ups for Gabriel Paulista of Arsenal and Lucas of PSG, but former captain Thiago Silva is out.
Liverpool have been linked with a move for Real Madrid’s Asier Illaramendi should Lucas depart this summer and Carragher says he is surprised a defensive midfield player in his mould has not already been sought this summer. And, if you look at Liverpool last season, it wasn’t the defending that was the massive problem – it was the attacking.
The series of transfers in Spain, Italy and England might be something that would get the Reds Illarramendi.
Illarramendi could replace Lucas Leiva, as the Brazilian closes in on an exit from the club.
Meanwhile, claims that Roma are closing to sign Mamadou Sakho on loan.
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The Italians are keen to take the centre-half to Serie A, after he struggled to settle on Merseyside.
