Lucas: Suarez should take top award

Liverpool midfielder Lucas Leiva has backed teammate Luis Suarez to be named PFA Player of the Year.

The Uruguayan striker has 25 goals in all competitions this season, and looks to be in a three way fight with Manchester United’s Robin Van Persie, and Gareth Bale of Tottenham Hotspur for the accolade.

Voting takes place over the next few weeks, with the winner set to be named in April, and Lucas told the Liverpool Echo that the Reds number seven deserves the prize for his “amazing season”.

Van Persie won the award last season, with Bale getting the nod in 2011, while Steven Gerrard was the last Liverpool player to receive the honour back in 2006.

Bookmakers have Van Persie and Bale way ahead of Suarez in the market, with Chelsea’s Juan Mata and Michu of Swansea City outside chances.

Meanwhile, Liverpool target Modibo Diakete is reportedly ready to sign a pre-contract agreement with Napoli.
The French defender had been linked with a move to Anfield last month, but looks set to remain in Italy.

The club are certainly on the look-out for defensive options, with Jamie Carragher retiring, and Maritn Skrtel and Sebastian Coates seemingly not in Brendon Rodgers plans.

The Reds have been linked with moves for Swansea City’s Ashley Williams, and Stefan De Vrij of Feyenord.