Midfielder Lucas Leiva thinks Liverpool’s Europa League qualifier with Trabzonspor will be harder than expected.

Lucas told Liverpoolfc.tv: “It will be another tough game. Hopefully we can do well again, keep going and try to win the Europa League.

“We know they are an important club in Turkey and they have won a lot of trophies. It will be difficult, but we have to make sure we beat them and keep going in the competition.

“We have to make sure we get a good result at home because we know it is always a difficult atmosphere to play in over in Turkey.”

Trabzonspor beat Turkish champions Bursaspor 3-0 to claim the Super Cup on Saturday.

Serie A club Palermo have hinted that they are ready to make an improved bid for LFC midfielder Lucas Leiva.

The initial bid of around £3.5million was rejected but it is believed the Italians are willing to go as high as £6million to land the Brazilian.

Palermo sporting director Walter Sabatini said: “There is a dialogue with Liverpool,”

“I believe there is room to negotiate.”

Newly appointed Brazil national boss Mano Menezes has named Reds midfielder Lucas in his first squad for the upcoming friendly with the USA.

Menezes was in charge at Gremio when Lucas was at the club and played some of his best football.

The Brazil squad in full:

Goalkeepers: Jefferson (Botafogo), Renan (Avaí), Victor (Grêmio)

Wingbacks: Daniel Alves (Barcelona), Rafael (Manchester United) André Santos, (Fenerbahce), Marcelo (Real Madrid)

Defenders: David Luiz (Benfica), Henrique (Racing Santander), Réver (Atlético-MG), Thiago Silva (Milan)

Midfielders: Hernanes (São Paulo), Jucilei (Corinthians), Lucas (Liverpool), Ramires (Benfica), Sandro Ranieri (Internacional), Carlos Eduardo (Hoffenheim), Ederson (Lyon), Paulo Henrique Ganso (Santos)

Forwards: Alexandre Pato (Milan), André (Santos), Diego Tardelli (Atlético-MG), Neymar (Santos), Robinho (Santos)