Bayer expect Lucio exit

The 25-year-old has been strongly linked with a move away from The BayArena for some time and Bayer know they face a losing battle to keep him.

Bayer have a history of selling their best players with Ze Roberto, Michael Ballack and Robert Kovac all moving to rivals Bayern Munich in multi-million deals over the last few years and Lucio is set to become the latest to depart.

Juventus and Roma were close to signing the World Cup winner last summer, but Lucio decided to stay at Bayer. Real Madrid and moneybags Chelsea are now monitoring his situation and are pondering moves for the cultured defender.

"We know that Lucio will move to a big club," Bayer general manager Ilja Kaenzig Kaenzig told Die Welt.

"However, Lucio will at least stay until the summer as we are looking for his replacement."

Bayer expect to lose Lucio, but are only willing to sell him for the right price.

"A very profitable transfer is the only option for us," Kaeinzig. "Lucio has great sporting value but immense financial value."