Transfer Centre

Brendan Rodgers determined to keep Glen Johnson, Lucas Leiva

By Simon Sinclair, Reporter | 23 January 2015

Liverpool boss Brendan Rodgers is adamant that he wants Glen Johnson and Lucas Leiva to remain at the club beyond the end of the season.

Liverpool boss Brendan Rodgers has revealed that he is determined to keep Glen Johnson and Lucas Leiva at the club.

Johnson is out of contract at the end of the season, while Lucas has been linked with a move away from Anfield this month after seeing his playing time reduced this season.

However, Rodgers is hopeful that he can convince both players to remain at the club for the foreseeable future.

He told reporters: "The intention will be to keep everyone – we can't have three or four leaving next season. For the younger players to develop their potential they are going to need that seniority around them. You can't just have a whole group of young players.

"Glen is not the marauding full-back of six or seven years ago but he is still a quality player and he has a lot to offer with his experience. His game will adapt over the next couple of years and we want to keep him.

"I know the club and his agents spoke towards the beginning of the season and I am hopeful we can find a solution and he will stay. We want to keep Lucas. He was out of the team last year because of the nature of the set-up with Steven, in that co-ordinating role."

Liverpool face Bolton Wanderers in the fourth round of the FA Cup on Saturday at Anfield.