Brendan Rodgers has confirmed Liverpool have offered captain Steven Gerrard a new contract.
Gerrard’s future was the subject of much speculation over the weekend after Rodgers left him on the bench for Saturday’s game against Stoke City.
The match came on the 16th anniversary of Gerrard’s debut for the club and the matchday programme carried a special tribute.
Sunday’s papers were full of speculation about a falling out between the two men – something Gerrard firmly denied on a post on his Instagram account later that day.
And now Rodgers has confirmed in a press conference that the club have offered Gerrard an extension to his current deal, which expires at the end of the season.
He said: “He’s been offered a contract here and should be given time to consider that. It’s not about money.
“I love working with Steven and hope that continues.”
A short while later in the Monday press conference, Rodgers added: “Steven Gerrard and his representatives have been offered a contract here and at this moment in time that’s where it’s at.
“For Steven, everything he’s 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.”
That last line from Rodgers ties in to what the Daily Mirror reported on Monday morning, that Gerrard “is in no rush to accept” the one-year rolling contract which would see a small reduction in his wages, and is holding out for a two-year deal.
The Stoke game – which Liverpool won 1-0 after Gerrard’s introduction from the bench – was the first time Gerrard had not started a Premier League game since facing Hull on New Year’s Day when he was out with an injury.