Lucas Leiva to hold talks over Liverpool future at the end of the season

Liverpool midfielder Lucas Leiva will hold talks over his future at Anfield at the end of the season. The Brazil international has been with the Merseysiders for 10 years yet his dwindling role under Jurgen Klopp could see him offloaded in the summer.

The 30-year-old started the win at West Bromwich Albion on Sunday [16 April] – just the ninth time he has begun a Reds game in the Premier League this season.

The holding midfielder has developed into a crucial figure for the club in recent weeks in the absence of captain Jordan Henderson, occupying a role alongside Emre Can and Georginio Wijnaldum.

Lucas has been linked with moves to Galatasaray, Inter Milan and former club Gremio in the last 12 months and still has a year to run on his current Liverpool contract. The veteran is in no mood to discuss his future publicly and will meet with Klopp at the end of the campaign to address the matter further.

"There is no doubt about my commitment to Liverpool, I just need to wait until the end of the season, work hard and make a decision together with the club," he said, according to The Express. "I have been here long enough and if the time comes for me to go somewhere else I think I will leave with the feeling that I did everything I could.

"I am getting to the stage of my career where I think I can help a lot, off the pitch of course, but on the pitch as well.

"Playing time [will play a part], I wouldn't like to just be around. I feel I have many years that I can still play at the top level. I need to analyse and see what is best for me and the club and then I am sure we will make a decision together."

Victory over West Brom courtesy of Roberto Firmino's goal keeps Liverpool third in the Premier League, six points above fifth place Manchester United with five games to play. Jose Mourinho's side as well as Arsenal – who are three points further back – have two games in hand but time is running out to breach the gap.

Despite the subject of his future being at the forefront of his mind, Lucas is ready to ignore the speculation in order to ensure Liverpool secure a top four berth. "I don't really know what will happen, I just need to focus on the last five games," he added.

"The last few games I have played I feel very good. I have played centre-back and midfield, so I give some options to the manager and when he needs me I always try to deliver. We have a lot to play for and it depends on us. It is in our hands. I want to finish the season a high."