Liverpool hero Phil Thompson has no doubts Aston Villa manager Steven Gerrard is destined for an Anfield return.

Thompson, who was assistant manager of Liverpool when Gerrard first broke into the first team, can see the 41-year-old returning to Anfield one day. And the former Sky Sports pundit believes his recent transfer activity at Villa could be a big draw for the Reds.

“I think he would be and you can see him as a natural fit. Obviously you have got to earn the right," Thompson told the Liverpool Echo.

“Obviously Jurgen was at Mainz, was at Dortmund, and then came through. Steven has gone in at Rangers, which is a massive club. Then he has gone to Villa, and you can see the changes that he has done, bringing in the players that he has done.

“[The signing of] Philippe Coutinho is because it is Steven Gerrard. Players will always want to come and play for him, which will be a big draw at Liverpool."

Thompson, however, also insists Pep Lijnders should be considered once Jurgen Klopp steps down.

He said of the Reds No2: “Yes, if Steven comes I would be delighted, but if Pep Lijnders was to take it then he would get Jurgen's blessing. I would do that because you see he has got that fiery character the way Jurgen can be. He is also a very good coach.

“So there is good possibilities there. But Steven has done himself no harm, he's moved from Rangers to Villa to test himself. I think he is doing that because listen, not everything is ever going to run smoothly no matter what football club you are at."