Klopp explains why Liverpool will look to keep Lucas

Matt Stead

Jurgen Klopp insists FA Cup match-winner Lucas Leiva will be staying at Liverpool beyond the January transfer window.

Lucas has started only three Premier League games this season and has been linked to a January move, with Italian giants Inter Milan said to be leading the race for his signature.

But after the Brazilian’s goal saw Liverpool through their third-round replay at Plymouth 1-0 – his 18th-minute header his first goal for over six years – Klopp said the 30-year-old is going nowhere.

Asked if Lucas was definitely staying at Liverpool, Klopp replied: “From my point of view, yes.

“What is definitely in this job? We have a kind of agreement. So I would say yes.”

Lucas skippered a much-changed Liverpool side which called on the attacking power of Daniel Sturridge, Divock Origi and Philippe Coutinho, but Klopp still started with four teenagers and brought another two off the bench.

His smart header from a Coutinho corner was Lucas’ first goal since scoring in a Europa League tie against Steaua Bucharest in October 2010.

Lucas’ winner secured a fourth round home tie against Wolves and Klopp said: “He played in an old-against-young match last week when we finished training and he was top scorer.

“I was really surprised he didn’t score for that long.

“But he has a great personality, is a good player and a really good guy.

“Sometimes you have to line up without him, and it’s not his hobby to accept this.

“But he’s okay and really important for us.”