Liverpool boss Brendan Rodgers says he is hoping to keep defender Glen Johnson and midfielder Lucas Leiva despite the duo being linked with a move away from Anfield.
Johnson, who joined the Reds for a reported transfer fee of £17.5 million in the summer of 2009, is currently on the final year of his contract at Liverpool.
The 30-year-old right-back has been tipped to leave after the end of his contract this summer, with no formal talks over new deal being held.
But Rodgers, despite admitting that Johnson has passed his prime, insists that the defender is still a "quality player" and Liverpool "want to keep him"
"Glen is not the marauding full-back of six or seven years ago but he is still a quality player and he has a lot to offer with his experience," said the Liverpool manager. "His game will adapt over the next couple of years and we want to keep him.
"Like every player he will want that security and to get it sorted earlier than it is now, but when he looks at it and realises he is at one of the biggest clubs in the world, with a team which is developing and growing, he would want to be a part of that."
"I know the club and his agents spoke towards the beginning of the season and I am hopeful we can find a solution and he will stay."
The former Swansea City boss also insists that he wants to keep Lucas despite the Brazilian being linked with the likes of Inter Milan.
"We want to keep Lucas. He was out of the team last year because of the nature of the setup with Steven [Gerrard], in that co-ordinating role," explained Rodgers.
"But he is a prime example of someone who has played his way back into the first team by showing their level and commitment."
The Northern Irishman says that Liverpool cannot afford to lose more experienced players, having already lost their captain Steven Gerrard, who will be joining MLS side LA Galaxy after the end of this season.
"The intention will be to keep everyone – we can't have three or four leaving next season," Rodgers told Sky Sports. "Steven 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."
Rodgers also feels that the Reds need some experienced players who can guide the younger players in the squad.
"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," added Rodgers."
