LiverpooL Adds A Little "Samba"

Liverpool boss Rafael Benítez has completed his first summer signing through the transfer of Brazilian midfielder Lucas Pezzini Leiva in a deal worth £8million.

The 20-year-old is expected to join up with his new teammates from Brazilian outfit, Gremio at the end of their involvement in the ongoing Copa Libertadores. The Porto Alegre side confirmed their place in the quarter-finals with a victory over Sao Paulo during the week.

Lucas Pezzini Leiva or better known as Lucas, was playing as a holding midfielder for his club and captains the Under-21 national side. In addition, he won the best player award in Campeonato Brasileiro 2006 and was recently called up to the Brazilian national team by Dunga, the Brazilian head coach.

Rafa Thinking Of Fielding Best Side

Ahead of this season’s final match on Sunday, Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez is pondering on the thoughts of bringing in his first eleven against Charlton Athletic at Anfield.

According to the Spaniard, he could utilize this match to keep his players sharp ahead of the Champions League final on May 23.

However, Malian international Momo Sissoko will almost definitely be left out of the side through injury while first choice keeper, Jose Manuel Reina has yet to assume full training following a knock sustained against Fulham last weekend.

Furthermore, Benitez mentioned that the club will do some final assessment on Reina’s situation in training and then decide if Reina should play for full 90 minutes.

Although the game will not be any significance to the Merseyside club , Benitez’s objective is to finish off the season in third place, ahead of Arsenal who is playing Portsmouth.