Rodgers wants Gerrard to stay

Newcastle - Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers said on Saturday he wants long-serving captain Steven Gerrard to remain at the club beyond the end of the current season.

Gerrard's contract is due to expire next June and the 34-year-old said earlier this week that he could continue his career away from Anfield if Liverpool do not offer him a new deal.

But after Liverpool's 1-0 defeat at Newcastle United in the Premier League on Saturday, Rodgers told reporters: "It's quite straightforward. I had a meeting with Steven's representative explaining the situation.

"I very much want him to be a part of what we are doing here. He's been a brilliant captain for me. I relayed that to the ownership.

"I'm sure he will go away with that and hopefully his representative will organise a deal. Steven is very much part of what I'm doing here. He's a unique player, a unique talent."

Local hero Gerrard, the former England captain, has been at Liverpool since 1998, making over 680 appearances for the club and winning the Champions League, the UEFA Cup, three League Cups and two FA Cups.