Liverpool midfielder Lucas Leiva admits he's close to Zenit St Petersburg star Hulk.

The Reds midfielder revealed he has not swapped notes with Hulk pre-match but dearly wants to be smiling when the pair meet after the tie.

"We are close, especially as we had the chance to play a few times in the national team," Lucas told liverpoolfc.com ahead of their Europa League meeting.

"He scored a good goal against us. They are taking the competition very seriously. Hulk is an important player for them, but he didn't give me any news because, of course, he wants to win the game the same as me.

"Tomorrow we'll have a friendly chat after the game and hopefully I'll be happier than him."