Manchester City boss Manuel Pellegrini has hinted at making a move for Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard, if he is released by the Reds next summer.
There were speculations of the former England skipper, who hung up his international boots after the 2014 World Cup, retiring after the end of his season.
However, the 34-year-old midfielder, who has made 482 appearances for the Reds in the Premier League since making his debut in the 1998/99 season, recently stated that he would "certainly won't be retiring this summer", insisting that he would move "somewhere else" if Liverpool do not offer him a new deal beyond this season.
City's decision to sign former Chelsea midfielder Frank Lampard last summer on a short term loan deal from their sister club New York City has proved to be a big success, and they will certainly benefit from the addition of Gerrard as he has a lot of experience playing at the highest level.
Pellegrini has refused to rule out a move for Gerrard next summer, insisting that the former England captain can still "continue at a high level for a couple more years".
"I don't ever rate players on their age," said Pellegrini, according to ESPN. "It depends on the money they cost and the number of years they have [on their contract] but, like Frank Lampard, Steven Gerrard is a top player and he can continue at a high level for a couple more years."
The signing of Gerrard would make sense for City as he is a home grown player and would not cost any transfer fee, helping the Citizens comply with UEFA's Financial Fair Play rules.
However, Liverpool boss Brendan Rodgers insists he is confident of Gerrard being offered a new deal at Anfield.
"It's quite straightforward," said Rodgers, according to ESPN. "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. I'm sure he will go away with that and hopefully his representative will organise a deal. Steven is very much part of what I'm doing here. He's a unique player, a unique talent."
