Lucas Leiva casts doubt over Liverpool future despite reassurances from Jurgen Klopp

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Lucas Leiva has cast doubt over his future at Liverpool

Inter Milan are said to be at the head of a number of clubs in the hunt for a player who has played just three times in the Premier League all season.

Lucas, 30, overcame a knee injury to captain the side against Plymouth in the FA Cup third-round replay on Wednesday, heading in the only goal of the game.

Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp insisted after the game that the midfielder is going nowhere during the transfer window. But while Lucas himself made no secret of the fact there is a lot of mutual respect between the two men, he was far less convinced about the certainty of his own future than his boss.

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Lucas celebrates after scoring the winner in the 1-0 victory over Plymouth at Home Park

"I had a few options to go and I have to think about my long-term future," he said "I know I don't have many years left here. I have to start to think about it. Liverpool is a place I love, there is no doubt about that. But this is more about thinking about my future as well – game time, things like I this. I have to deal with it.

"I have always been very honest in terms of the trust with the manager. He and I have a fantastic relationship. I have learned a lot from him and he is someone I appreciate working with. I'm learning all the time. It is not just in terms of football, I am learning from him as a man.

"So if, by the end of January, I am here, it will be great. This is the best place for me to be right now.

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Jurgen Klopp wants Lucas to stay at Liverpool

"But I cannot tell you in two months' time, four months' time or one year's time. I have to think about my future. But it is all good. I am happy in this moment and I just have to go day-by day."

Indeed, he even managed a smile when it was pointed out that Wednesday's goal was his first in over six years.

"Official goal, you mean!" he said. "I scored in pre-season, remember [at Fleetwood in a friendly]? And I'm the top scorer in 'Young versus Old' – it's a game we have the day before matches.

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"But, listen, all jokes apart, it was great to score. I don't score many, so I am very happy – and I'm very happy we got through.

"It was a difficult game. A lot of people probably expected we would go out of this tournament because it is hard to come and play against a physical side with a young team. But it was a good experience for the young players. We have to improve, that is clear. But the main thing is to get through to the next round and we did that.

"I did a session on Tuesday and I had a bit of swelling on my knee but I spoke with manager and I told him, 'I want to play, I want to be involved'.

"I know how much the FA Cup means in this country and how important it is to this club. Of course I want to play in the Premier League every week but it's important to play well when you get the chance. I lead the team as captain with a lot of young players. Of course I wanted to play in Plymouth."

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