STEVIE WANTS NEW CONTRACT

Liverpool midfielder Steven Gerrard is close to signing a new contract with the Anfield club.

The 23-year-old England star has emerged as one of the players on the shopping list of new Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich, but Gerrard has made it clear that he sees his future on Merseyside.

Born and bred in Liverpool, Gerrard has stated in the past that he has little desire to leave the club he supported as a boy.

"I'm happy at Liverpool and the club is happy with me. I'm ready to commit myself to the club's future and I'm sure that's going to happen," Gerrard told the club's official website.

"I've been at Liverpool all my career and never thought about playing for anyone else. All I want to do is concentrate on playing for this club."

Gerrard has two years remaining on his current contract and is tipped to become club captain in the future.

His manager Gerard Houllier has stated that there is "no chance" of Gerrard leaving Anfield.

"He's happy at Liverpool and doesn't want to play for anyone else," Houllier said.

"Steven is progressing all the time and this is the club for him. He is a player who is central to my long-term plans."