Liverpool midfielder Lucas Leiva has decided to leave the club for Serie A side Napoli, according to fresh reports in the Italian media.
Il Mattino claims the Brazil international has already set his heart on a reunion with former Reds boss Rafael Benitez in Naples, despite the fact a deal is yet to be thrashed out.
His representatives will fly to Rome before the end of the week in an attempt to agree personal terms, although the biggest stumbling block still awaits them.
Premier League runners-up Liverpool are reluctant to see him go but would consider selling him if they receive a big enough offer. However, Napoli are suggesting a loan deal with a view to a permanent deal 12 months down the line.
The report reveals that the two clubs are still far apart in terms of their valuation of the 27-year-old, with the Merseyside giants said to be holding out for £13million – a significant jump from previous suggestions in the Italian press.
Napoli are unwilling to pay any more than £9.5m, which could be structured by payments over a number of years.
Lucas has been with Liverpool since the summer of 2007, when Benitez signed him from Gremio, and after a slow start he went on to establish himself as an important squad player.