Joao: I want to stay but we'll see

As Liverpool chase one Teixeira, they may soon lose the one they already have as Portuguese prospect Joao Carlos Teixeira revealed he is in talks with the club about a new deal, but that he “doesn’t want to think about the future too much right now.”

The former Sporting Lisbon player, who joined the Reds for £1m in 2012, has been a regular in the match day squad recently and impressed in midweek against Exeter City when handed a rare opportunity to start for the first team. Teixeira caught the eye with his ability on the ball as well as his strength in possession and willingness to help out defensively, capping a fine display with a goal at the Kop end late on. “He played man football” said Jurgen Klopp afterwards.

However, at 23 years old he’s now at an age where he needs regular first team football and he doesn’t have that at the moment. Klopp admitted after the Exeter game that the player’s future may lie away from Merseyside. “I like Joao. As a person, as a footballer – But of course, players like him need matches, and if you can’t get it then you have to leave.”

“This shouldn’t be my decision. You shouldn’t be a substitute for 3-4 years at this age. I would like to work longer with him, and in four months I’ve seen his jumps in development” he added.

“We are always in talks, but we have to see what he wants, what we want – And in the end it has to fit. It’s not possible that all players stay here, so sometimes you have to leave. I’m not sure this is the situation for Joao. But you are right – he’s a long time now in this position [not in the side]. He did really well in the Championship but came back and wasn’t in the best position. Since I came back he’s a little bit closer, but we’ll have to see.”

The player himself says that talks are ongoing but there is no guarantee that he will remain at Anfield. “We are in conversations at the moment,” Teixeira said. “My contract runs out at the end of this season. I want to stay but we will see what happens.

“I don’t want to think about my future too much right now. I just want to play football. I want to enjoy this moment and try to build on it."

While other youngsters saw action in the earlier rounds of the Europa League, Teixeira missed out after he was baffling omitted from the list of players registered for the competition by former boss Brendan Rodgers. Klopp did include him in the starting line up for the 1-0 win over Bournemouth. It was his clever run and cheeky back-heel that led to Nathaniel Clyne’s winner as the Reds progressed at the expense of the South Coast club, who are sponsored by Mansion, owners of casino.com.

An injury to Adam Lallana looks to have increased Teixeira’s chances of featuring against Norwich this weekend, and the talented playmaker says he needs grasp any opportunity that comes his way. “I just have to keep working hard and keep doing my best in training. Whenever chances come along like this to impress Jurgen Klopp, it’s up to me to show him that I deserve more chances.”