West Ham United are set to swoop for Liverpool outcast Lucas Leiva.

The Brazilian midfielder has fallen out of favour at Anfield since the arrival of Brendan Rodgers and was absent for the Reds squad which traveled to Stoke City for their opening game of the season on Sunday.

According to ESPN FC, West Ham have emerged favourites for his signature as new boss Slaven Bilic looks to instil the quality in his midfield that has been vacated by the exit of Alex Song who spent last season on loan from Barcelona.

Lucas joined Liverpool in 2007 and had featured under previous managers before Rodgers' arrival but now looks set for the exit door after his omission last Sunday.

Despite the successful deployment of 16-year-old Reece Oxford in West Ham's opening fixture against Arsenal, reports suggest that Bilic sees Lucas as a suitable replacement for Song and will look to conclude the deal as soon as possible.