Transfer Centre

Steven Gerrard offered England stay by Southampton boss Ronald Koeman

By Joe Fish, Reporter | 02 January 2015

Ronald Koeman invites Steven Gerrard to join Southampton if he decides to stay in the Premier League when he leaves boyhood club Liverpool at the end of the season.

Ronald Koeman has invited Steven Gerrard to join Southampton when the Liverpool captain walks away from Anfield at the end of the season.

It was confirmed on Thursday that the former England skipper, 34, would be leaving his boyhood club when his contract expires in the summer.

Gerrard has indicated that his next move will be overseas by stating that he will not be joining a club who compete with Liverpool, but Saints boss Koeman would be happy to put an offer on the table if he changes his mind and decides to stay in the Premier League.

"It is maybe a little bit strange to see Steven Gerrard out of the club Liverpool, and if he likes to continue, he can come [here]," the Dutchman said at a press conference on Friday.

"I am serious – if he likes to continue football in England, he can come."

He added: "For Steven Gerrard, you have always a position for him. He is a fantastic football player, really at the top level in the midfield position and the captain of the club, with an impressive football career."

Gerrard, who has scored 180 goals in 695 club appearances since making his debut in the Reds first team in 1998, is expected to head to America's MLS, with Los Angeles Galaxy favourites to sign him.