Brasileirao Serie A side Gremio are plotting an attempt to re-sign midfielder Lucas Leiva following his release from Liverpool earlier this month.

The Brazil international spent 10 years at Merseyside where he remained a crucial player in the first-team squad. Though his appearances were reduced last season, Jurgen Klopp used him as a utility player in the central defensive department when the club was short of sufficient options through injury.

Since his release, the likes of Newcastle United and Brighton & Hove Albion have been credited with an interest with the former currently under the management of ex-Reds boss Rafael Benitez, who brought him from Gremio 10 years back.

Prior to Gremio’s 3-3 draw against Cruzeiro last week, vice-president Odorico Roman affirmed that the club do hold an interest in re-signing Leiva, and they can contact anytime to pursue his signature, he said, via Zero Hora: “Lucas is a great player, signing him would make an impact. If there is a possibility within the financial conditions of the club, and that also serves Lucas’ interest, it is possible that he may come. At this time, there is no negotiation. I talked to him a few days ago, at any moment we can make contact. But he is also aware of the interest of other clubs. There is, yes, possibility of him coming, but there is nothing in progress right now.”

Lucas is currently back in his home nation of Brazil in order to attend the wedding ceremony of compatriot Roberto Firmino. The former Reds midfielder is said to have plenty of options to prolong his career in England, but a return to Gremio looks a huge possibility after he admitted that he had received a winter offer from his former club. Lucas had been tipped to leave for Galatasaray during the previous summer transfer window before he decided to stay put at Liverpool for the campaign.