Liverpool boss Brendan Rodgers sees outcasts Glen Johnson and Lucas Leiva in his plans for next season, with the duo linked with moves to Italy.
Johnson had been tipped to leave at the end of the season after Javier Manquillo’s arrival has saw the England right-back lose his place in the starting XI. While Leiva’s role could be developed following the departure of club legend Steven Gerrard at the end of the season.
Speaking ahead of Saturday’s evening tie against Bolton Wanderers in the FA Cup, the Irishman said: “We can’t have three or four leaving next season. The intention will be to keep everyone, partly because of the mix in the group.”
Rodgers recently admitted the club aim to challenge for the title once again next season, after narrowly losing out on the league to Manchester City last term, eyeing experience as key to their challenge.
Leiva has been with Liverpool since 2007 and Rodgers is keen for the Brazil international to stay on at Anfield.
“Steven [Gerrard] will obviously be a loss, when you are losing someone of that calibre of man and player it would be a loss to any club, but you move on.
“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 Johnson we want to keep, Lucas we want to keep.”
Both AS Roma and Inter Milan have reportedly been monitoring the duo’s availability with the view to a move. However, Rodgers has stated his intentions to keep hold of the duo as the former Swansea boss aims to develop a blend of youth and experience.
