Lucas not worried about losing Liverpool place despite reports of big summer spending

Lucas Leiva, Liverpool (Getty Images)

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Liverpool midfielder Lucas says he has no fear about being forced out of the club this summer amongst rumours of a spending spree from the club’s new owners.

The Brazilian, 24, has been a key performer for the Reds in recent months, with Martin Skrtel being the only outfield player to have more appearances this season.

Liverpool, taken over by Fenway Sports Group in October, are expected to bring in a host of new first team players this summer with Blackpool’s Charlie Adam, Aston Villa duo Stewart Downing and Ashley Young as well as young Rennes star Yann M’Vila all heavily linked, but Lucas believes he will be a part of the team’s future for a long time.

“I don’t think I would have signed a new contract if the club did not have a plan for me,” Lucas told the press.

“A lot of players have come already and I’m still playing, so that means the club believe in my qualities.”

Lucas has been at Liverpool since 2007 and struggled to adapt to life in England at first but has become one of the club’s most consister performers, which has not gone unnoticed by Brazil coach Mano Menezes, who has given him a starting role in recent games.

The midfielder’s new deal at Anfield runs until 2015, and the player admitted that he likes the new responsibility he has been given.

He said: “Last season I played 46 games but this year I’m trying to take more responsibility and show my real quality.”