Rafa reveals Leiva interest
29 Feb 2008 - 09:56:33
Liverpool boss Rafael Benitez has revealed he has fended off interest from clubs across Europe in Brazilian youngster Lucas Leiva.
The 21-year-old midfielder has started the last five games in all competitions for the Reds after beginning the season playing second fiddle to the likes of Xabi Alonso and the now departed Momo Sissoko.
His form since the turn of the year had led to interest from overseas - with Italian giants Internazionale believed to be particularly keen - but Benitez has no plans to cash in on the former Gremio youngster.
"We've had offers for Lucas but we said no because we want to keep him," he told the club's official website.
"Clubs have asked about him. Clubs in Italy and Spain - maybe ten in La Liga. Good clubs in Spain and clubs in Italy who will pay more money.
"Lucas was the captain of Gremio and Brazil's Under-20 team. He has two caps with the senior national team.
"He's a player with a very good mentality and quality. He's very professional, focused and a fantastic player.
"I don't have any problem with him. If you need to take a penalty, (Steven) Gerrard will be there and Lucas can be there - he has a very good mentality.
"When he first arrived here and needed to improve his English he was not playing.
"I talked to him and he said, 'Hey I'm okay, I'm improving'. He is learning and when I bought him I thought he'd be able to play in the big games like Inter in his first season."