Sir Alex's Gerrard desire

Sir Alex Ferguson would enter the bidding if Steven Gerrard was made available.

Sir Alex Ferguson has admitted that he would enter the bidding if Steven Gerrard was made available by Liverpool, but the Scot feels there is little prospect of luring the midfielder to Manchester United.

Old Trafford supremo Ferguson has held a long-standing interest in Gerrard as he believes the England international would be the perfect replacement for ageing Red Devils talisman Roy Keane.

Keane is in the twilight of his career at Old Trafford and Ferguson has been scouring the market for a replacement for some time.

The likes of Kleberson and Eric Djemba-Djemba have failed to take their opportunities and it would appear that Gerrard is Ferguson's favoured option to take on the baton from Keane.

Ferguson feels Gerrard can be the dominant midfielder in English football for the next decade and the Scot admits he will attempt to bring him to Old Trafford if The Reds fail to satisfy the 24-year-old's desire for silverware.

"What I'll say is that we would show an interest if we thought there was any chance, but realistically I don't think he would ever come here," Ferguson told The Times.

"Yes it's true that I thought the same about [Alan] Smith and probably also [Rio] Ferdinand at one stage, but that's a completely different situation.

"I could name you 15 players who have gone between Leeds and Manchester United, but no player has gone directly between Liverpool and Manchester United in something like 40 years.

"It's a very different proposition."

Ferguson made no secret of his admiration for Gerrard, comparing him favourably with Keane.

"There's a lot of similarities between them," added the astute Scot. "They both show that great desire and energy in their game. It's a question of how long they retain it.

"I think Gerrard would be the first to admit that Roy has been at that level for a long time. He has had that for more than a decade, which is incredible.

"Gerrard could be the pivotal player in England over the next decade - for the national team I mean, because he's certainly already that for his club."

Ferguson will get another chance to take a first-hand look at Gerrard on Saturday, as Manchester United travel to Anfield for a lunchtime showdown - live on Sky Sports 1.

Liverpool 13/8 Draw 2/1 Man Utd 6/4 - Click here for full odds with Sky Bet