Liverpool news: Galatasaray lose race for midfielder after a season of trying, Italian giants clinch £5m transfer

Galatasaray have missed out on signing Liverpool veteran Lucas Leiva after a season of trying to strike a deal.

The Brazilian midfielder will join Lazio on a £5 million transfer after completing his medical according to the Mirror.

Galatasaray were on the verge of signing Lucas last summer but Reds boss Jurgen Klopp blocked the move.

The Lions tried again in January but were unable to agree a fee.

See More: For Galatasaray news and everything you want to know about the club

Lucas has finally left Liverpool after being closely linked with an exit over the past few transfer windows.

Former Galatasaray sporting director Levent Nazifoglu revealed that Lucas was on the verge of joining last season.

“We spoke with Lucas Leiva last night and he asked us for another day before making his decision [to join],” Nazifoglu told Turkish-football over the summer transfer window.

“The situation will be clearer by tonight.”

Klopp ended up blocking the move according to Turkish sports newspaper Fanatik.

The 30-year-old was the longest serving member of the Liverpool squad.

Lucas joined the Reds 10 years ago from Brazilian giants Gremio, going on to make 344 appearances in all competitions.