Steven Gerrard to Manchester City: Premier League champions interested in signing Reds skipper…
Manchester City manager Manuel Pellegrini has confirmed his interest in signing Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard, whose contract expires at the end of the season.
According to reports in the Daily Mail, Pellegrini has been impressed with the impact of 36-year-old Frank Lampard so far this year, and would be willing to sign Gerrard on a similar short term deal.
Pellegrini believes the Liverpool captain can go for two more years, and has thrown his hat in the ring for the former England international, who has reportedly received private assurances from his current club that they want him to stay.
City boss Pellegrini said: “I don’t ever rate players on their age. It depends on the money they cost and the number of years they can play for. Like Frank Lampard, Steven Gerrard is a top player and he can continue at a high level for a couple more years.”
Kop legend Gerrard, 34, revealed last week that with his current Anfield contract running out next summer he has no plans to retire so would be happy to play for someone else.
The club have reacted quickly to give Gerrard private assurances they want him to stay and on Saturday manager Brendan Rodgers said: “I had a meeting with Steven’s representative explaining the situation. I very much want him to be a part of what we are doing here. He’s been a brilliant captain for me. I relayed that to the ownership.”
But until a contract is signed, clubs like City will watch with interest. Pellegrini needs bargains with City hamstrung by Financial Fair Play rules and the need to include more Englishmen in their Premier League squad.