Former Liverpool midfielder Jan Molby has urged the club to keep Lucas Leiva because he feels that the Brazilian still has a lot to offer.

The 28-year-old has been part of the Anfield setup for eight years following his move from Gremio in 2007.

Latest reports suggest that the Merseyside outfit will listen to offers for the midfielder before the transfer window closes on September 1.

However, Molby believes that Lucas remains an important member of the team and should be given the chance to fight for his place.

"I really hope he stays because I still think he will have a part to play this season," Molby wrote in the Liverpool Echo.

"It's important you have a number six who is a proper number six and very much a team player - someone whose ambition is for the team rather than himself. I've always liked Lucas. You have to have admiration for the way in which he has stuck at it."

Lucas was not included in the squad for last weekend's season-opening 1-0 win over Stoke City.