Nemanja Vidic to Anfield? It seems highly improbable, but reports in Italy today claim that the 'world class' Manchester United legend is part of a swap-deal proposal currently being considered by Liverpool.
According to CalcioMercato today, Inter Milan have offered Vidic to the Reds in exchange for Lucas Leiva.
At first glance, it seems far-fetched, but Milan are definitely interested in €12m-rated Lucas, and new boss Roberto Mancini confirmed this in December, when he told reporters:
"[Lucas Leiva] is a great player, but he belongs to Liverpool and it's going to be hard to get him. He would be useful, though, as he can help us, and help our younger players grow."
In recent months, Lucas has made clear his frustration at becoming a bit-part player at Liverpool:
* In October, he warned: “I want to play. I need to find a solution either at Liverpool or at another club. [if] I don’t find space at Liverpool, I should start to make a move".
* Lucas also confirmed that Napoli tried to sign him over the summer: “There was something with Napoli but it wasn’t a positive situation for both parties. Despite this, it’s true that Benitez always had great faith in me.”
* Speaking to Radio Marca in November, Lucas sent another indirect message to Rodgers: "I must think about leaving as there is no room for me at Liverpool. I'm not speaking to anyone at the moment, but I am looking around, given I am not playing".
* Soon after, Lucas's Agent, Henrique Coelho, also confirmed that a January transfer is possible: “Is it possible that Lucas could leave Liverpool in January? Yes, naturally. Lucas really likes Rafa Benitez. After all, the two know each other well from when the Spaniard was manager of Liverpool.”
Lucas - recently hailed by Rodgers for his 'incredible' attitude - is a model professional, but despite his recent return to the first team, he is still (arguably) surpplus to requirement, and it's surely just a matter of time before he moves on to another club.
With that in mind, if Lucas is to leave, is Vidic a good player to get in exchange? The Serb has been on the bench for Inter's last six games, so he's clearly not essential to the team, and there's no denying his talent, experience, and leadership ability.
Vidic will be 34 this year, though, and he'd be nothing more than a temporary stop-gap. Additionally, Lucas is worth more in monetary terms, so a straight swap with no cash involved will see the Reds make a financial loss.
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