Liverpool offer Steven Gerrard new contract

Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers has confirmed that the club have offered a new deal to captain Steven Gerrard.

The 34-year-old, whose current deal will expire next summer, has been linked with a move away from Anfield, with reports suggesting that he had agreed a pre-contract agreement with an overseas club.

Rodgers has insisted that the former England international needs time to consider the new deal.

"Firstly in terms of the club the latest is that Steven Gerrard and his representatives have been offered a contract here and at this moment in time that's where it's at," Rodgers told The Guardian.

"For Steven, everything has done in the period of time he's been here, for 16 years, is a man who deserves utmost respect and time to consider that. It's not just a big move in his life in terms of commitment but needs time and respect to look at that.

"It certainly won't be money. I've spoken to him enough times at length and that won't be the case. Between now and the end of the season he deserves the opportunity to think."

Gerrard started Saturday's 1-0 win over Stoke on the bench, a game that marked 16 years to the day since he made his debut for the Merseyside club.