Jon Flanagan close to agreeing a new contract

Jon Flanagan is close to signing a new contract with Liverpool, according to the Daily Mail.

The 21-year-old was one of the breakthrough young stars of the 2013-14 season, establishing himself as a regular starter at either right back or left back.

He has not featured for the Reds so far this season due to knee trouble, but hopes to return to the squad for the home game against Aston Villa in just over two weeks.

And with the local defenders current contract expiring at the end of the season, a new deal may have been reached by the time he is ready to return to first team action.

‘There have been some talks and I should be signing a new contract soon,’ Flanagan said. 

‘It would be reward for all the hard work I’ve put in. It would be great for me and great for my family as well.

‘All I’ve ever wanted is to play for Liverpool and I want to stay here for as long as I possibly can.’

On his current fitness situation, he explained: ‘I’ve been struggling with fluid in my left knee. I just felt it during the tour and it’s been a bit inflamed. It’s just something we have to be careful with.

‘I want to be back out there but I can’t rush it. I need to make sure that when I do come back I’m 100%.

‘I don’t think I’ll be back for this weekend but I’m hoping to be fit for the Villa game.

‘The next couple of weeks should give me the chance to get back into full training and build up my fitness.’

With everyone fully fit, who would you start as first choice full backs? Let us know your thoughts below.