Lucas Leiva nearing Gremio return?

Brazilian midfielder Lucas Leiva is reportedly on the cusp of rejoining Gremio following his release from Liverpool earlier on Friday.

The 30-year-old was not present on the list of retained players by Liverpool after the club decided against offering him a new contract.

Leiva had hinted earlier in the week (The Star) that he could return to familiar grounds in Brazil and the latest decision by Liverpool has encouraged him to pursue the switch.

The long-serving player had been used in the central defensive and holding midfield roles during his decade-long spell with Liverpool, but the club decided to offer him a party instead of the regular testimonial.

Leiva appeared in a total of 345 outings for the Merseyside giants since his £5m switch from Gremio in the summer of 2007.

The Brazil international managed to win a single trophy in the League Cup in 2012 while he was named Liverpool's Player of the Year for the 2010-11 season.