'Liverpool's heroic, last-gasp European victory in the Champions League, thanks to that spectacular 25-yard goal from Steven Gerrard, caused predictable euphoria last week. But Everton's hard-fought 1-0 victory over Liverpool in Saturday lunchtime's derby might provide a more accurate state of play between the fierce Merseyside rivals.
‘Gerrard's mutterings that he would aim to leave Liverpool if he isn't picking up trophy winners' medals sooner rather than later caused his manager Rafael Benítez some considerable displeasure.
‘They also had the distinct ring of the thoughts of a player who has already decided his future might lead him away from Anfield at the end of the season. Chelsea's denials of interest might not be entirely accurate. After all, a midfield with Gerrard and Frank Lampard working in tandem would, by anyone's standards, be a mouth-watering prospect.
‘But what price Gerrard following Wayne Rooney from Merseyside to Manchester? Stirring though Manchester United's recent revival might have been, the old war-horse Roy Keane must surely be nearing his sell-by date, and Gerrard seems a natural replacement if Sir Alex Ferguson can somehow find the necessary funds.’
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