Liverpool have agreed a deal to sell Brazilian midfielder Lucas Leiva to Napoli on a season long loan, with an option to make it permanent, according to reports from Italy.

Sportmediaset claim as relayed by Football Italia that Napoli have agreed deal with the Reds to reunite Lucas with his former manager Rafa Benitez.

According to the report, Napoli will pay €2m to sign him on a season long loan, plus an option to buy permanently for a further €10m in July 2015.

Napoli were plotting a move for Manchester United’s midfielder Marouane Fellaini, but with the Belgian now out injured, the Partenopei turned their attention to Lucas, whose performance over the last couple of years deteriorated badly. 

Liverpool have already made nine signings this season including Mario Balotelli, who is set to undergo a medial in the next 24 hours.

The Reds have already signed Emre Can this season but may need another defensive midfielder before the season begins.