Rodgers refused to sell the holding midfielder to the Italians in January but reckons he can do without him once Man City free agent signs
Liverpool boss Brendan Rodgers is willing to listen to offers for Lucas Leiva.
And that could give Inter Milan the green light to land the Brazilian midfielder.
Rodgers rebuffed Inter when they tried to sign Lucas in January, because he was then a key part of Liverpool's mid-season revival, but is prepared to let the 28-year-old go now.
He believes Lucas is not dynamic enough and prefers Joe Allen in the midfield holding role.
The Ulsterman feels that while Lucas is a fine tackler and can break up the opposition's play, he offers his Reds little going forward.
As we revealed in March, Rodgers is set to bring in England midfielder James Milner on a Bosman to replace Steven Gerrard once his Manchester City contract expires this summer, and feels he can afford to sacrifice Lucas to swell his transfer kitty.
The Anfield boss feels he would have enough central midfield options in Milner, Allen, Jordan Henderson and Emre Can if Lucas went.
Inter remain interested in the player, and coach Roberto Mancini - who knows Lucas from his own days managing Man City - would like to take him to the San Siro.
Former Liverpool boss Rafa Benitez, who first brought Lucas to Anfield, is also a long-term admirer and has tried to sign him for both Inter and current club Napoli.
Lucas has been at Anfield for nearly eight years since arriving from Gremio for £5million in July 2007, and is believed to want to stay put.