Speculation surrounds Liverpool's midfielder-turned-defender once again, and this time, his rumoured departure looks set to come true, according to theLiverpool Echo.
Lucas Leiva has come close to leaving the club on a number of occasions in recent years with moves to Napoli, Besiktas and Galatasaray all quashed in the last stages for various different reasons.
This time, the Brazilian is linked with a move to Serie A's Inter Milan, and the return of Joe Gomez looks set to allow Lucas to pursue the move if he wants to.
After spending the majority of his near-ten-year Anfield career as a defensive midfielder, Lucas has been converted into a centre back by Jurgen Klopp.
Lucas has made a few appearances in the position under Klopp, including a few as captain, butthe return of Gomez means that Lucas drops further down the rankings to fifth place behind Joel Matip, Dejan Lovren, Ragnar Klavan and, of course, Joe Gomez.
Only above outcast, Mamadou Sakho, Lucas is unlikely to get a lot of game time and unlike previous seasons where injuries and departures have meant that the Brazilian's needs have been set aside for the sake of the team, Klopp will not stand in Lucas' way if he chooses to leave.
Since signing under Rafael Benitez's stewardship way back in 2007, Lucas is the club's current longest-serving player and has said on numerous occasions that he considers himself a 'scouser'. At 29, Lucas ought to still have a few years worth of playing ahead of him and, despite his cult hero status at the club, will not want to waste it sat on the bench.
Although he may not be missed in a playing sense - let's face it, his centre back displays were often far from convincing - his departure, if he does choose to leave, will definitely leave a hole in the squad as his character, experience and leadershipwill be difficult to replace; as will his social media trolling of other teams.
Lucas on Instagram there.
Unlukeeee @Everton pic.twitter.com/uCrjeBZb6l