Liverpool refuses to sell Lucas Leiva, says Besiktas president

Lucas Leiva appears destined to continue his career in Liverpool after reportedly coming close to joining Turkish side Besiktas.

His transfer from the Merseyside outfit has been called off because of Liverpool's unwillingness to sell the 28-year-old midfielder, Besiktas president Fikret Orman said.

"Liverpool do not want him to go. The transfer can only go ahead with their say so there is nothing we can do right now," Orman said, according to James Pearce from the Liverpool Echo.

Besiktas was under the impression it was close to an agreement for the Brazilian following his reduced role with Liverpool. But Jordan Henderson's nagging foot injury appears to have turned the Premier League side off as it attempts to maintain its midfield depth.

Following Leiva's impressive outing against Arsenal, manager Brendan Rodgers revealed his preference to retain him for the rest of the season.

"Lucas is our best defensive midfield player we have," Rodgers told reporters after the scoreless draw. "There are games in which I will pay three midfield players and not always want a specific defensive one.

"But when we do need that, he's the best that we have. He came in at Arsenal and did a great job, and is very much part of what we want to do."

Leiva, who has two years left on his current deal, only managed to appear in 20 matches last season and did not record a goal or an assist.