Brazil U20 captain Lucas Leiva has revealed he rejected an offer from Manchester United to sign with Liverpool.Lucas claims he turned down moves to Manchester United and Everton before joining Liverpool from Gremio in a £5million deal.“We knew Lucas could be a good signing because he played at a high level for Brazil Under-21s. A lot of other top clubs were after him, so we had to move quickly,” revealed manager Rafa Benitez.
“One of those other clubs plays in red, and Lucas told me the other wears blue, but I won’t say which.”
Leiva told the manager Everton and United were those clubs, while Atletico Madrid were also hoping to secure a deal.
The 20-year old midfielder will join the Reds at the start of next season after Benitez beat a host of European clubs for his signature."The deal with the player and his club is almost done and I am really pleased he is coming to us," said Benitez.Leiva, Lucas"He is the captain of the Brazil under-20 side and won the Golden Boot in his country last year so we know he has quality and we also believe he has the mentality and the character you need to do well in England."He can play as a holding midfielder but he can also get from box to box and so I am looking forward to seeing him score goals for Liverpool in the future."A lot of clubs in England and Spain were asking about him but our scouting department has again been working really hard and it's good that he's coming to us."He will arrive in the summer and then will start adapting to football in this country. We know it can take time but I think he has the quality to be putting pressure on Gerrard, Mascherano, Xabi and Sissoko next season."
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