Aston Villa's talented midfielder Fabian Delph has been sounded out by Liverpool boss Brendan Rodgers to replace MLS bound captain Steven Gerrard, with Lucas being moved on to Napoli.
The Anfield club will offload Lucas to former Liverpool boss Rafa Benitez, now managing at Italian side Napoli – IF the clubs get their man and bring in England international Delph.
Liverpool are in pole position to sign Delph whose contract with Aston Villa's expires this summer, leaving Paul Lambert between a rock and a hard place. The midfielder could leave on a free at the end of the season with no signs of a new contract being signed, or Villa could cut their losses and cash in by selling to Liverpool.
Delph's arrival at Anfield would almost certainly mean Lucas is pushed out the exit door. The Brazilian isn't a guaranteed starter under Brendan Rodgers and the Mirror report that he'd be happy to work with former boss Benitez in Serie A.
Benitez has been trying to bring Lucas to Napoli ever since he was appointed manager in 2013 and could finally get his wish, although any deal for the 28-year-old could initially be on a loan basis.
Source: DSG
