Gerrard close to Reds deal

The England star has been locked in talks about extending his deal for the last few weeks and he admitted he is poised to put pen-to-paper soon.

Gerrard is happy to sign a new deal as he feels he can fulfil all his ambitions with Liverpool.

"I wouldn't be signing a long-term contract if I didn't feel we had the squad and the ability to be challenging for honours. I want to be going for the title and the Champions League," said Gerrard.

"I'm a Liverpool boy and I don't want to leave the club. I want to help this club become successful again and to be here, playing my part, when it is."

Gerrard was linked with a move to moneybags Chelsea in the summer, but the inspirational midfielder insists he had no interest in going to Stamford Bridge.

"It was an eye-opener in the summer, picking up the paper every day and finding a new player had gone there," added Gerrard. "I was thinking, 'How are they going to keep them all happy? Who's going to put up with not playing in the big games?'

"I wouldn't be happy, playing one game and not knowing where I stood for the next. I'm sure that if all their players were honest, they'd say they hate that.

"I love staying fit and trying to get better with every game. If I played two then missed two, I'm not sure that I could maintain consistency."

Meanwhile, trialist Milan Rapaic has left the club after failing to be offered a deal at Anfield.