Liverpool transfer news: Besiktas confirm they have opened talks over Lucas Leiva signing

Liverpool midfielder Lucas Leiva could be heading to Turkey after Besiktas confirmed they are in negotiations over a transfer.

The arrival of James Milner on a free transfer in the summer has put Lucas further down the pecking order at Anfield.

Manager Brendan Rodgers has left the Brazilian out of his side for Liverpool’s opening two matches of the season and is prepared to let the 28‑year-old leave.

Besiktas transfer committee head Erdal Torunogulları said: “Lucas is a player on our shortlist, talks are ongoing.”

However, the sticking point could be the nature of the deal with Besiktas keen on a loan arrangement while Liverpool would prefer to sell and value the midfielder at around £5million.

Lucas has two years left on his contract and has made 275 appearances since joining for £7m from Gremio in 2007.