Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez has slapped an amazing £14million price tag on his opinion-splitting Brazilian midfielder Lucas Leiva, after reported interest from a number of top European sides.

Lucas, 22, has been first choice at Anfield since the summer departure of Xabi Alonso, and earned praise for his performance in the Reds recent defeat of Manchester United, with Benitez said to be keen to hold onto him.

The Daily Mirror claim a host of clubs have expressed an interest in the midfielder, aware that in order to strengthen his squad in January Benitez will first have to cash in on some of his fringe players and hoping to get him on the cheap.

However, Rafa's bloody-mindedness appears to have once again taken hold of him, aware of the criticism his 2007 signing has received, the Spaniard has put an exorbitant valuation on Lucas, who is clearly not worth half the sum.

Still, this will put an end to the debate of whether the Brazilian will be moving on in the New Year, as no club would pay anywhere near the purported sum, while the majority of Liverpool fans would happily flog him for free!

Lucas, who has always been backed by his manager despite the heavy criticism from fans, looks set to lose his midfield berth when Alberto Aquilani returns to full fitness, but is still viewed by Benitez as a key component in his squad.