Echo now saying Lucas could end up staying. Lucas could remain at Liverpool despite strong Inter Milan interest Long-serving midfielder will stay at Anfield unless Inter offer better deal James Pearce Updated 11:21, 1 JAN 2017 Lucas Leiva could end up staying at Liverpool this month – despite strong interest from Inter Milan. Reports in Italy suggesting that the long-serving Reds midfielder has already undergone a medical with the Serie A outfit are wide of the mark. The ECHO understands that Jurgen Klopp is prepared to sanction the exit of the Brazilian, but only if there's an attractive offer on the table which suits everyone. That currently isn't the case with Inter wanting to take Lucas on loan until the end of the season with an option to buy but no firm commitment to make the transfer permanent. Unless Inter change those terms then a switch to the San Siro appears unlikely. Lucas, who came off the bench late on to make his 327th appearance for the Reds in the 1-0 win over Manchester City, has 18 months remaining on his Anfield contract. Klopp had previously said that no members of the first-team squad would leave in January but he views Lucas as a 'special case'. Klopp asked Lucas to stay when Galatasaray made him a lucrative offer last July as he needed him to provide defensive cover. Since then the 29-year-old's opportunities have been limited but his attitude has been top class with Klopp viewing him as a leader in the dressing room and a role model for the squad's youngsters. The return to fitness of Joe Gomez means that Klopp believes Liverpool have sufficient centre-back cover if Lucas does move on this month. However, if he decides to stay put for the rest of the season then the manager will be delighted to retain his wealth of experience. http://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/sport/football/transfer-news/lucas-could-remain-liverpool-despite-12391494