Liverpool confident of retaining talismanic captain Steven Gerrard

Steven Gerrard is expected to sign a new deal and stay with Liverpool

London, Jan 1 (IANS) Liverpool are confident Steven Gerrard will sign a new deal at Anfield even though their captain is free to talk to other clubs from New Year's Day.

Gerrard entered the final six months of his contract at midnight, and the 34-year-old can now negotiate with foreign teams over a move in the summer, report the Daily Mail. Toronto FC and New York Red Bulls have both expressed a strong interest in taking Gerrard to the MLS. He has also been linked with Inter Milan.

Gerrard, who returns to the starting line-up at home to Leicester City Thursday after he was an unused substitute in Monday's win over Swansea, is expected to weigh up his options between now and the end of the season, when he will also be able to talk to Premier League clubs.

Asked if he was comfortable with the new situation, manager Brendan Rodgers said: "I think he's earned that respect if he does (talk to other clubs). I've got a great relationship and communication with Steven. He's a wonderful player, a wonderful servant to this football club, and in my time here he's been brilliant for me."

'When I came in here two-and-a-half years ago, everyone asked if he could play my type of football or if his legs had gone. You've seen him over the last couple of years," Rodgers said.

"He could have been player of the year last season. 'I'm managing his game time. He understands my situation of picking the best team and making it fresh as often as we can."

Rodgers revealed Liverpool are unlikely to spend in the transfer window although it is believed a loan signing is a possibility.