Source: Daily_Mail
Stoke move for Liverpool's Lucas Leiva
Stoke have made an audacious move to sign Liverpool midfielder Lucas Leiva but the Brazilian wants to stay at Anfield.[LNB]West Ham have also shown interest as part of a deal for Carlton Cole but if Lucas has to leave he would rather it be for a club with Champions League aspirations.[LNB]Ultimately, though, the Brazilian has vowed to fight for his place having seen it threatened by the arrival of Christian Poulsen and Raul Meireles.[LNB] Open to offers: Stoke are the latest club to be interested in Brazilian midfielder Lucas Leiva (left)[LNB]The 23-year-old, a regular under former manager Rafael Benitez, hasseen competition increase and despite impressing new boss Roy Hodgsonin pre-season it seems he will be third choice for his preferredcentral position.[LNB]After Sunday's victory over West Brom Hodgson said he could not ruleout the Brazil international's sale if a big bid came in but added thatit would not be ideal to lose a player so late in the transfer window.[LNB] Head strong: Roy Hodgson gave Lucas the captain's armband in a Europa League qualifier[LNB] 'What is the situation? I don't know. I'm still playing,' said theclub's young player of the year last season. 'At the moment, I haven'thad any offers. I don't know if the club wants to sell me. I just haveto wait.[LNB]'I'm going away with the national team (on Thursday) and I can't sayany more than that. We don't have any games so we will be training fora week in Barcelona.[LNB]'If the club want to sell me, what can I do? I just have to wait andsee what will happen. I need to be playing and I want to be playing butI believe that I am doing well.'[LNB]'The manager will choose who plays. I have a contract here and if Idon't get anything good for me or for the club, then I will stay.'[LNB] Palermo ready to make new offer for Lucas after reds reject opening £3m bidHodgson admits Liverpool need more firepower as Lucas heads for the exitHodgson swoops to steal Defour from under the nose of FergusonSTOKE CITY FC
