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NEW YORK RED BULLS are targeting Steven Gerrard as their star signing should he fail to agree a new deal to stay at Liverpool.
The ambitious Major League Soccer club have included Gerrard on their “discovery list” — a list of future, possible acquisitions — and are hoping to take advantage of the 34-year-old midfielder’s strong relationship with their sporting director Gérard Houllier.
The inclusion on the ‘discovery list’ already means that should Gerrard leave Liverpool and want to play in the United States then the Red Bulls would have first call on him ahead of other American clubs.
Gerrard’s deal at Anfield runs out at the end of this season and although an offer to him has finally been made the Liverpool captain is considering his options and contemplating whether this will be his last season with the club.
Gerrard has reiterated he has no intention of retiring nor will he play for another Premier League side.
It means that should he leave then he will look for a club in Europe involved in Champions League football – and should receive offers – or may even be lured by the prospect of moving to America for a couple of years.
New York would be the ideal destination if he chooses to do that – Gerrard was impressed when Liverpool travelled and played there during a pre-season tour – and the Red Bulls are keen to make a strong statement with Thierry Henry and Tim Cahill, their two foreign stars, set to leave.
Given the push being made by New York City, the new club set up by Manchester City’s owners, who have signed up Frank Lampard and David Villa, then the Red Bulls know they must respond. Given their option they know they could stop any attempt by New York City to sign Gerrard. — The Telegraph
Online Reporter