Lucas Leiva could be a surprise casualty of Liverpool's determined recruitment drive this summer after reports emerged linking the Brazil midfielder with an exit this summer.

Liverpool look set to seal their sixth signing this week after Nathaniel Clyne underwent a medical at the club’s Melwood training complex today, with confirmation of the £12.5m move for the Southampton defender expected to come on Wednesday.

Clyne’s arrival will follow successful moves for James Milner, Danny Ings, Adam Bogdan, Joe Gomez and Roberto Firmino, but the rest of the summer is expected to see manager Brendan Rodgers try and offload a number of his fringe players, and Lucas could be one of those sacrificed this summer.

Liverpool potential striker targets Show all 7 1 /7 Liverpool potential striker targets Liverpool potential striker targets Christian Benteke (Aston Villa, 24) Appears to be Liverpool's primary target but after a brilliant end of season (11 in nine games) his value will have gone through the roof. Getty Images Liverpool potential striker targets Alexandre Lacazette (Lyon, 23) The French striker has had an absolute brilliant season for the title chasers, scoring 29 goals in just 33 games. However, he is now being linked with Champions League clubs across Europe. Getty Images Liverpool potential striker targets Theo Walcott (Arsenal, 26) This potential transfer seems to hinge on what happens with Raheem Sterling. But Walcott could be seen as a man to fill in up top and then move to the wing when Sturridge returns, although he too has a poor track record with injury. Getty Images Liverpool potential striker targets Paul-Georges Ntep (Rennes, 22) Able to play on the wing or up front, the exciting Cameroonian has bags of pace and an eye for goal. Not really prolific but could be a decent stop-gap who would still be in the first-team when Sturridge came back. Getty Images Liverpool potential striker targets Stevan Jovetic (Manchester City, 25) Clearly has great quality but has struggled with form and injury in his time at the Etihad, with just 11 Premier League starts in two seasons. Would be interesting to see him given a real chance. Getty Images Liverpool potential striker targets Graziano Pelle (Southampton, 29) Liverpool may be think twice about doing business with Southampton after getting burned for Adam Lallana and Rickie Lambert, but the Italian has shown he is a great target man with an eye for goal. Getty Images Liverpool potential striker targets Jay Rodriguez (Southampton, 25) Has now missed more than a year of action after last season's horror injury at Manchester City, Rodriguez was probably going to the World Cup before going down. Would be a huge gamble but if he is able to return to form it'd be worth the risk. Getty Images

According to the Daily Mail, the 28-year-old Brazilian could be on his way out of the club with the Reds said to be willing to listen to offers for Lucas. Last summer Lucas was close to a move away from the club with Inter Milan believed to be interested, but he remained with the side for another season and went on to make 32 appearances last term.

Liverpool could sell Lucas Leiva to balance the books (Getty Images)

He could join a number of names making their way through the Anfield exit, having already seen Glen Johnson, Brad Jones and former captain Steven Gerrard leave the club at the end of their contracts.

Uruguayan defender Sebastian Coates is also reported to be close to a move to Premier League side Sunderland, while Fabio Borini’s future remains in severe doubt given Liverpool could use him in their bid to sign Christian Benteke from Aston Villa while West Ham are believed to be weighing up a move for the Italian.