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Klopp blocks Lucas exit

Cape Town - Lucas Leiva's Liverpool exit plans have been scrapped by boss Jurgen Klopp, according to the player's agent.

The Brazilian defensive midfielder, who is currently recovering from a hamstring strain, looked set to be on his way to Turkey to join Galatasaray in a £2.3 million switch.

He was also a rumoured target for Inter Milan, but a mini injury crisis at Liverpool appears to make him once again an invaluable member of the Reds' squad - when he himself to returns to fitness that is.

James Milner, Daniel Sturridge, Sheyi Ojo, Loris Karius, Joe Gomez and Mamadou Sakho are all currently sidelined with various injuries.

Lucas also appeared close to joining Besiktas last summer but a similar lack of fit players saw Brendan Rodgers retain the 29-year-old.

Leiva's agent Metin Korkmaz said: "Klopp was behind the transfer hitting the rocks, he wants Lucas to stay and the player had to listen.

"If it was up to Lucas he would have made the transfer."

Galatasaray sporting director Levent Nazifoglu has, meanwhile, revealed the Turkish club will no longer look to sign the former Gremio man.

He told Turkish-Football: "We are no longer pursuing Lucas Leiva, we will continue efforts to sign alternative names instead."

Lucas has just one year remaining on his current Liverpool contract.

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