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Aitor Karanka believes Pana Tachtsidis was in need of a ‘fresh start’, as the midfielder completes his move to Lecce in Italy.

The Greek is joining the Serie B club on loan, with a clause included to make the move permanent in the summer.

Tachtsidis has failed to make a single appearance for the Reds, following his summer arrival from Olympiacos.

(Image: PATRICIA DE MELO MOREIRA/AFP/Getty Images)

Karanka has had no issues with the attitude or professionalism of the 27-year-old midfielder, who he says has simply been ‘unlucky’ amid some fierce competition for places, in his position.

But he believes Tachtsidis’ move to Italy is the best thing for him.

“It would be good for him to get a fresh start somewhere else. He has been training very well. But I told him that he has been unlucky,” said Karanka.

“Jack Colback and Claudio Yacob have been playing very well and Adlene Guedioura, except for the home game against QPR, has played really well.

“He was unlucky, because he has not had his chance since he arrived. But his attitude on the training ground has been really good.”

(Image: PA)

Tachtsidis has had a nomadic career so far – one that has also included numerous previous spells in Italian football.

After starting his career at AEK Athens, he has had spells with Genoa, Verona, Roma, Catania, Torino, Verona and Cagliari.

Now he is returning to Italy for another new chapter, following a frustrating spell in Nottingham, where he did make one or two appearances on the bench - but never actually got onto the pitch.