• Premier League

Steven Gerrard offered new Liverpool deal

Steven Gerrard is mulling over a new contract offer from Liverpool, Brendan Rodgers has confirmed.

Gerrard's current deal expires at the end of this season, and the club opened talks to extend it with his representative Struan Marshall in mid-November.

The 34-year-old's Anfield future has looked uncertain in recent months, with Gerrard admitting in October that he would move elsewhere to continue his playing career if Liverpool did not offer him a new contract.

Steven Gerrard started on the bench for Liverpool against Stoke © Getty Images

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However, Gerrard dismissed reports he has fallen out with Rodgers while the Liverpool manager has described rumours of a rift as "150%" untrue.

"Steven's been offered a contract here, and that's where it's at," Rodgers said at his press conference before Liverpool's game against Leicester on Tuesday.

Rodgers acknowledged, though, that it was not guaranteed at this stage that his captain would sign it.

"After everything he's done here, Steven deserves that respect, and should be given that time to consider that," Rodgers added.

"It's a big move, not just in his life, in terms of committing to where his next contract's going to be. He needs to be given that time and respect to look at that.

"There are probably many things Steven has to look at in a decision like that, but it certainly won't be about money.

"I've spoken to him enough times, and at length, and that certainly won't be the case, so I think that between now and the end of the season, he deserves that opportunity to have a think as to where he's at."

Rodgers dropped Gerrard to the bench for Saturday's 1-0 home win over Stoke - the first time the captain had not started a league game for Liverpool since January 1, when he missed a 2-0 victory over Hull because of injury.

Gerrard played the final 15 minutes against Stoke, with Rodgers denying he had snubbed his captain on what was the 16th anniversary of his first-team debut for the club, and he feels the midfielder still has plenty to offer at Anfield.

He said: "I love working with Steven Gerrard. He's arguably the best player who has ever played in the Premier League. I've enjoyed every single minute of working with him here, and I hope that continues.

"But I need to give him the opportunity to think for as long as it takes in order to decide what he wants to do next.

"I've seen some unfortunate reports yesterday about a rift between him and me. If there are two words that describe our relationship, they would be honesty and respect. He's been an outstanding player over his time and my time here. He's been absolutely brilliant.

"He's at the stage of his career where it's not so much about the number of games that he plays now, it's about the level of the games. That's something we'll work with and look at."

Asked directly if there had been any fall-out with Gerrard, Rodgers said: "No - 150%, no. I was very surprised to see that. I think Steven made the same point on social media. He and I have a fantastic relationship. I have huge respect for him, not just as a player, but as a person."

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