Galatasaray sporting director Levent Nazifoglu has confirmed that the Lions are out of the race to sign Liverpool midfielder Lucas Leiva.

Nazifoglu was quoted by Turkish-football as saying: “Lucas is no longer on our agenda, Klopp did not want him to leave, we are seeking alternatives.”

Turkish football agent Metin Korkmaz claimed that Lucas wanted the move but Klopp reportedly blocked the deal following a series of injuries to his defensive players.

The Lions used Metin Korkmaz as one of their intermediaries to help push broke through a deal after talks reached an advanced stage.

“Klopp was behind the transfer hitting the rocks, he wants Lucas to stay and the player had to listen,” Kormaz said.

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

Inter have also been closely linked with Lucas according to the Daily Star and will now be in pole position to sign him – if Klopp allows him to leave.

The Galatasaray director revealed that Galatasaray are still pursuing a central midfielder but did not confirm their latest target.

Nazifoglu did however, reveal interest in Chelsea midfielder John Obi Mikel and Newcastle’s Tiote.

The Lions have also been linked with out of favour Manchester United midfielder Bastian Schweinsteiger.

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