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Rumours of Lucas Leiva’s demise at Liverpool FC – and, indeed, his departure – have been greatly exaggerated. Or, at least, for now.

Reports linking the Brazilian midfielder with a move to Inter Milan have not come to fruition, with the Serie A side yet to make a bid for the Reds no.21.

It is understood Liverpool are reluctant to sell the player – and will not entertain any loan bids that come in.

WATCH: Kristian Walsh answers the question: How important is Lucas Leiva to Liverpool?

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But, like the majority of his Anfield career, that hasn’t stopped opinions being split on him.

Those who rate him are incredulous at the thought of Lucas leaving the club.

Those who don’t rate him have started celebrating, prematurely, already.

There are also those who believe, whether Lucas leaves or not, that Liverpool’s midfield needs more options anyway. Steven Gerrard will leave this summer, while Joe Allen still struggles with injuries; Jordan Rossiter, 17, was named on the bench against Sunderland.

Talk is no longer of who can replace Gerrard but, with the midfielder looking to operate further up the pitch in his final five months at the club, who can simply take up position in a defensive capacity.

The defensive midfielder – to use modern parlance – is something fans crave. Strong, athletic, a human shield; Nemanja Matic, Sergio Busquets, Claude Makelele. They are good on the ball, but primarily break up play and supply others with the ball.

If Lucas was to go, who could replace him? Or, if the Brazilian was to stay, who would offer competition for the role?

Here's nine options, with a look at why they would be suited to a deep-lying role for the Reds.

In pics: Potential free transfers for the Reds

LUCAS: WHAT HE DOES

Lucas has been a big component of the Reds’ resurgence in recent weeks, averaging 3.12 tackles per game – 12th in the Premier League and more than any other Liverpool player. He is also second-best at the club for winning his battles in the air, while he averages more interceptions (2.56) than any other Liverpool midfielder.

He rates highly on clearances and blocked shots too, and no other player averages as many successful passes as him at the club, demonstrating how retaining possession a big part of that position.

WHO ELSE COULD COME IN?

Gianelli Imbula (Marseille)

Marseille man who has been integral to their rise back to the upper echelons of Ligue 1. Playing in a side that loves to attack, the 22-year-old sits deep and provides a one-man shield.

He has won more duels than any other player in Europe’s top five leagues. He has managed 48 successful tackles, while his ability to carry the ball is highlighted with 73 successful dribbles - a staggering effort from a holding midfielder.

He also wins 58% of his aerial battles, and has made 911 successful passes this season with a 90% accuracy.

Sami Khedira (Real Madrid)

World Cup winner who has seen it all and done it all at Real Madrid. He has suffered with injury problems in recent times but is a scary proposition for opponents when fully firing.

Strong in the air and mobile on the ground, the German comes with the added bonus of being available on a free this summer. Has only recently come back from injury but quality is proven.

Mile Jedinak (Crystal Palace)

The Australian midfielder, who scored against Liverpool with a stunning free kick this season, has built a reputation as one of the Premier League’s best holding midfielders.

He can be a little slow on the turn, and his passing can be erratic, but has impressed at Palace otherwise. He has made more interceptions than any other midfielder in Europe’s top five leagues (69), and has also weighed in with 71 clearances. He is strong in the air, winning 69% of his headers, and has managed 51 successful tackles – only Matic has made more in the Premier League this season.

Jedinak would very much be an option if boxing clever in the transfer market. Would also solve Liverpool's set-piece dilemma.

Maxime Gonalons (Lyon)

French international who has been a big part of Lyon’s fantastic, table-topping season. A pure defensive midfielder who likes to slot alongside the centre backs out of possession (useful in the 4-3-3 formation) and is a great ball-winner with 55 successful tackles this season.

With 939 successful passes, he is one of Europe’s best with the ball, and rarely gives it away with a 90% accuracy. He is strong and good along the ground, but convincing Lyon to sell up would be a tricky task.

Morgan Schneiderlin (Southampton)

One of the most coveted midfielders in the Premier League following his rise at Southampton. He can play either as a deeper midfielder or pushing on up the field, but he certainly possesses the attributes of a player who can sit deeper.

He has made 41 tackles this season – ninth-highest in the Premier League – and has a pass accuracy of 89%, managing 885 successful passes so far. He also ranks highly in terms of interceptions, which would take the pressure off those behind him – while reigniting his on-field partnership with Dejan Lovren could help the Croatian settle.

Southampton, however, would want top money for one of their star players.

Luiz Gustavo (Werder Bremen)

One Brazilian is already at Anfield – what harm could another do? The 27-year-old was one of Brazil’s better players at the World Cup and has had a good few years at Wolfsburg.

Luiz Gustavo is good with the ball, completing 710 passes this season – only four more have made more in the Bundesliga – and he has made 31 successful tackles. He is energetic and exuberant, and relishes combating for the ball; can also play left back or centre back.

Wolfsburg are set for the Champions League next season but could be tempted to part with the midfielder.

Jordy Clasie (Feyenoord)

At just five foot six, the Feyenoord man doesn't appear the archetypal holding midfielder, but his performances in the Eredivisie saw him called into the Dutch squad for the World Cup.

The 23-year-old is creative with eight assists so far this season - more than anyone in the Dutch league - and 24 key passes. But he is also a battler, winning 37 tackles - the ninth-best tally in a physical league. He's also won 22 aerial battles, with a 54% success rate - an excellent return for a player so small.

Pedro Obiang (Sampdoria)

Spanish Under-21 international who has been an integral part of Sampdoria's excellent Serie A campaign. Obiang, 22, is powerful and strong in the tackle, and rarely gives the opposition a moment to rest, featuring in Sampdoria's diamond formation as one of the middle two.

He covers plenty of ground and has made 41 tackles this season - fourth-highest in Serie A - although with 80% accuracy and 457 successful passes, could use the ball better. He is young and has a lot of potential, and Sampdoria are traditionally a selling club.

Xabi Alonso (Bayern Munich)

Well, Liverpool fans can dream, no?