Liverpool midfielder Lucas Leiva has refused to rule out talk of a move to Napoli as speculation surrounds his Anfield future.

Lucas, who joined from Gremio in 2007, has been linked with a summer switch to Italy following the arrival of fellow midfielder Emre Can from Bayer Leverkusen.

The 27-year-old did start in Liverpool’s Premier League opening win over Southampton and is under contract for a further three years, but his place in the side is no longer guaranteed.

Reports in Italy have suggested Napoli will move for the Brazilian if they secure Champions League qualification, while he has previously played down talk of joining Inter Milan.

Responding to Napoli’s supposed interest, Lucas told Vavel Brazil: "I can never say never.

"Today my thoughts are with Liverpool and I always leave that part of the proposals and boring affairs with my manager.

"If something good for me arises for me and the club, it might happen. But now I'm focused on having a good season for Liverpool."

Lucas also admitted he would consider a return to his homeland, Brazil, but only at a later stage of his career.

"Currently I am not thinking about it. Who knows, maybe in a few years," he said.

"Yes, I have the desire to return to play in Brazil, but that desire is part of my plans for the future."

Asked about the competition with Can, Lucas said: "He is a young, dynamic wheel in our team that will help us a lot.

"He, like me, can act both as the first man, and as the second. I will be committed to winning this race against Emre Can healthily.

"My expectation for the season? Starting games and helping Liverpool achieve their goals this season."