Liverpool Transfer Rumours: Reds Lining Up Brazilian Lucas Replacement

Last week, Liverpool's top-four hopes were dealt a devastating blow as it emerged that key midfielder Lucas had suffered an ACL tear and would miss the rest of the season. Lucas, a 24-year-old Brazilian defensive midfielder, has established himself as a vital player at Anfield in recent seasons and is always one of the first players pencilled into the Liverpool XI. 

With only a matter of weeks remaining until the January transfer window, it seems inevitable that Liverpool manager Kenny Dalglish will make a move to replace Lucas for the time being and help carry the burden of his loss. According to The Daily Mail, Kenny Dalglish is weighing up a move for another 24-year-old Brazilian defensive midfielder, Porto's Fernando Reges. 

Signed straight out of the Brazilian third division by Porto in 2007, Reges has been a fixture in the Porto side for the past three seasons. Ever present in the team, Reges has established himself as one of Europe's premier central midfield players and has been chased by several of its top clubs in recent transfer windows.

The move would certainly make sense for Liverpool. While Reges could cost anywhere between £10 and £20 million, his acquisition would allow the Reds to add more depth to the heart of their midfield. He would not only be a temporary solution, but would serve to give Dalglish more options in terms of tactics and playing styles long-term, even when Lucas is back in the team.

The potential signing of Fernando Reges could be a big one for Liverpool in January.

Follow Jake Ware on Twitter at @JacobWare95