Brendan Rodgers has ruled out the possibility of Lucas Leiva leaving Anfield during the current transfer window, despite interest from Inter Milan, because of his belief that Liverpool’s momentum could stall should the midfielder be allowed to depart.

Liverpool’s run of improved form has coincided with Lucas’s return to the side — the only game they have lost in their past 13 fixtures was one in which the Brazilian did not feature, a 3-0 away defeat by Manchester United.

Although Lucas is understood to have concerns about whether he will continue to be a first-team regular, Rodgers is unwilling to consider sanctioning his departure during the transfer window, even though Inter are ready to push ahead with a bid for the 28-year-old if they can