Liverpool boss Brendan Rodgers denies the club is pushing Steven Gerrard out of Anfield. Gerrard will bring the curtain down on his 17-year Anfield career at the end of the season, with the former England captain set for a move to Major League Soccer in America.

"When I came in here (in the summer of 2012) I still believed Steven had a lot to offer the team in terms of his performance and working here I see his great influence in the changing room with other players and the great work he does at the club," said Rodgers.

"But you always have at the back of your mind he will move on and you have to look to bring through the next ones and that has had to be looked at.

"It is near-on impossible to find a direct replacement for someone of that stature and quality but we have to continue with our work and find the top players to come in.

"Steven Gerrard is unique in his play and behaviour so you can't make a direct replacement but, as we have seen over many years in football, there is always the opportunity for the next one to come in.

"Of course I want him to stay but his role is slightly different and naturally at this level it was going to be tapered a bit."