Lucas signs new deal

Liverpool midfielder Lucas Leiva has expressed his delight after signing a new long-term deal at Anfield.

The 26 year old, who joined from Gremio in his native Brazil in 2007 told the clubs website that he is “looking forward to a few more years” on Merseyside.

Lucas has made over 200 appearances for the club, including eighteen starts in the Premier League this season.

Meanwhile, Brendan Rodgers has said that he is “unhindered” following former manager Rafael Benitez’s insistence that he will return to the club.

Benitez told Spanish newspaper Marca that he will “almost certainly” return to Anfield in the future, not least because his wife and children still live in the city.

The Spaniard, who left the club by mutual consent in 2010, having won the Champions League and the FA Cup in his six year spell in charge, is still held in high regard by a large section of Liverpool fans.

However, the current Reds boss has responded, admitting that it doesn’t affect his job, citing his good relationship with the players, and claiming that the clubs board decided against taking the opportunity to reappoint Benitez in the summer.

Rodgers signed a three year contract when he was appointed last summer.