The Brazilian’s previous deal was due to expire in 2015, and he says it was an “easy decision” to extend his stay at Anfield, for whom he has already made over 200 appearances

Liverpool have announced that Brazilian defensive midfielder Lucas Leiva has agreed a new long-term contract at the club.

The 26-year-old joined the Reds from Gremio in 2007 and, after a tumultuous start to life in England, has since become a fans’ favourite at Anfield.

His previous deal was due to expire in 2015, but the new contract will extend his stay on Merseyside and Lucas is delighted to have put pen to paper.

“It’s another long-term contract that I have signed – but it was the same feeling as when I first came here,” he told the club’s official website.

“I am really delighted to have the opportunity to play for this club. It’s where I think I belong and where I wanted to stay, so I am very happy and looking forward to a few more years here.

“It was an easy decision because after the long period of my career I have had here, I would like to give the best of my time to this club.

“It was not a difficult decision to make and I am really looking forward to what will hopefully be a few more years with a lot of success.”

Brendan Rodgers has confirmed the teenager will be unavailable for the weekend fixture, but Stewart Downing is fit to play after illness

Brendan Rodgers has revealed Liverpool will be without Raheem Sterling against Reading at the weekend due to injury.

The teenage midfielder has been out of action since the March 31 away win against Aston Villa.

Rodgers has ruled out a return for Sterling on Saturday opposite the Royals, but assured reporters on Wednesday that Stewart Downing has recovered from the illness he suffered in the goalless draw with West Ham and is fit to take part.

“Young Raheem won’t be involved,” Rodgers told the club’s official website. “Stewart Downing had a bout of sickness last weekend just before the game, hence the reason for him having to come off.

“He’s fine now. Apart from that, we’re fit and strong – the players are looking very good.”

The 40-year-old manager elaborated on the situation regarding Sterling, saying the winger’s recent absence is precautionary.

He continued: “The medics wanted to take him out for a few weeks just to see where he was at with injuries. It has been an ongoing one.

“He’s a very young player so we don’t want to risk any long-term injury when there’s no need. Of course you would rather have him in the squad to develop him, but this is a part of making sure we have a duty of care for him as a young player.

“When he shows signs of fatigue and a little bit of injury, we have to look at that and treat it in the best way we think possible. At the moment, that’s to take him out.”

The Royals have confirmed plans for a tribute to the 96 victims of the disaster just hours after the club’s owner instead called for Margaret Thatcher’s passing to be recognised

Reading have announced plans for a minute’s silence prior to Saturday’s game against Liverpool to mark the 24th anniversary of the Hillsborough disaster.

96 Liverpool supporters died as a result of crushing during the Reds’ FA Cup semi-final meeting with Nottingham Forest in Sheffield in April 1989 – events which it transpired late last year were the subject of a widespread cover-up.

And, despite Royals chairman John Madejski earlier suggesting that a minute’s silence should in fact be held to mark the passing of former prime minister Margaret Thatcher, the Berkshire club have revealed that plans were put into place last week to pay tribute to those who died at Hillsborough.

A statement on the club’s official website read: “Supporters of Reading Football Club and Liverpool Football Club will hold a minute’s silence before Saturday’s fixture at Madejski Stadium as a mark of respect for the anniversary of the Hillsborough disaster.

“With the game falling two days before the 24th anniversary of the tragedy, plans began last week for a fitting tribute to the 96 supporters who lost their lives.

“The Royals contacted the Premier League earlier today and they of course agreed it was absolutely correct to pay respect on such an occasion.”