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Brendan Rodgers insists he hasn’t give up hope of Glen Johnson penning a new deal as the Liverpool FC boss looks to ensure his squad retains some much needed experience.

The 30-year-old full-back is out of contract this summer and has been linked with a move to Italy.

Back in November, Johnson dismissed reports that he had rejected an extension on reduced terms. He insisted there had been “minor talks” with the club but no offer and vowed he “wouldn’t go crawling to anybody”.

He’s now able to sign a pre-contract agreement with a foreign club but Rodgers says he isn’t resigned to losing the former Portsmouth defender, who is set to return from a groin injury in Saturday’s FA Cup tie with Bolton at Anfield.

“Glen’s obviously into his last year but I’m hopeful we can find a solution for that and he can be here,” Rodgers said.

“Every player wants that security and he probably wanted it sorted earlier than it has been.

“But at this moment in time he realises he’s at one of the biggest clubs in the world with a team developing and growing. He would want to be a part of that.

“I think he’s more than happy to try to look to find a solution with the club in order to stay here. He loves being here. He enjoys working this way.

“Maybe his game will adapt over the next couple of years, he’s not the marauding full-back you saw six or seven years ago. But he’s still a quality player who still has a lot to offer with his experience and his football.

“He will be one we would look to keep. Hopefully between the agent and the club they can organise a deal.”

Rodgers is already certain to lose Steven Gerrard this summer with the long-serving captain heading for the States to play for LA Galaxy.

Kolo Toure and Brad Jones are also out of contract and if Johnson left as a free agent too then Martin Skrtel and Rickie Lambert would be the only players left at Anfield in their 30s.

Owners Fenway Sports Group favour a young squad packed full of potential but Rodgers admits getting the right balance is vital.

Another experienced player he is keen to retain beyond this season is midfielder Lucas Leiva, who has been linked with a move to Inter Milan.

“The intention will be to keep everyone - partly because of the mix in the group,” Rodgers said.

“Steven will be a loss. Someone of that calibre and status will be missed but you move on.

“You have to keep looking forwards for younger players to develop but they need to have that seniority around them. You can’t have a group of just young players. Players like Glen Johnson and Lucas Leiva are ones we want to keep.”

Raheem Sterling is close to penning a new long-term deal but there are other contract issues which need to be addressed. As well as those like Johnson who will be free agents this summer, Jordan Henderson, Martin Skrtel and Jose Enrique have entered the last 18 months of their current contracts.

“I’m not involved in the finer details,” Rodgers said.

“There is a structure at the club for those deals. (Chief executive) Ian Ayre does an excellent job in terms of negotiating for the owners in terms of what they want and require in terms of the model here.”