Lucas heads to Lazio as Klopp eyes Robertson

Lucas Leiva missed Liverpool’s preseason friendly at Wigan to finalise a £5 million move to Lazio, but Jurgen Klopp is closing in on his next summer deal with an £8million offer for Hull’s Andy Robertson.

Lucas, who has been at Anfield for ten years, said his goodbyes at Melwood yesterday, with his transfer to Italy expected to be confirmed shortly. With Liverpool hoping to add a centre-back and midfielder during this transfer window, Lucas’s first team chances were going to be limited this season. Robertson, meanwhile, has been on Liverpool’s radar for the past two years, and with Alberto Moreno likely to leave this summer Klopp is eager for more options at left back.

James Milner has established himself in the role, but Liverpool’s schedule will be much heavier given their European involvement.

On the pitch, Mohamed Salah marked his first appearance since a £36 million move from Roma by scoring in a 1-1 draw at the DW Stadium. Salah was free to make his debut having secured his work permit on Thursday.

Philippe Coutinho and Adam Lallana were also included, making an instant return having only started training this week. It proved a tricky evening for Klopp’s side when Wigan’s Alex Gilbey took advantage of slack defending from a set-piece. But Roberto Firmino set Salah up for a tap-in two minutes before half-time, the highlight of an encouraging 45 minutes for the Egyptian international where his pace was immediately apparent.

Liverpool toiled after Klopp made eleven changes at the break, although this was their second game in 72 hours as they continue their warm-up. Klopp’s side now travel to Hong Kong for the Premier League’s Asia Trophy.