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Daily Mirror
Daily Mirror
Sport
Freddie Keighley

Jermain Defoe has say on Steven Gerrard future amid Liverpool return rumours

Rangers striker Jermain Defoe admits Steven Gerrard is destined to leave Ibrox to become Liverpool manager one day.

Gerrard led the Gers to their first league title in a decade earlier this month and has outlined his intention to win more honours in Scotland.

But the Anfield legend remains heavily linked with a return to Merseyside, where he began his management career as a Liverpool youth coach and in 2017.

After impressing Jurgen Klopp, Gerrard went on to take charge of the Under-18s and Under-19s, and many believe it is only a matter of time before he takes the main hot seat.

Gerrard was tipped to become Liverpool boss by Defoe (PA)

Defoe insisted his "special" manager has what it takes to become Liverpool manager, telling talkSPORT : "That’s probably the main goal. That’s probably what he’s striving for

"Because he’s done so well and that’s what he’s striving for and it’s his first main job really.

"He went from Liverpool Under-18s straight to Rangers, even then people probably thought that was a big job for your first job.

The pair knew each other well from their many years on England duty together (Scott Heavey / Getty)

Is Steven Gerrard ready to become Liverpool boss? Have your say in the comments.

"To dominate domestically was special, but people might look at it and think it’s either going to be Celtic or Rangers, but to compete in Europe as well.

"At some point I think he will go on to manage Liverpool."

Rangers sit a remarkable 20 points clear of rivals Celtic in the Scottish Premiership table and have not lost a league game this season.

They also reached the Europa League last 16, where they fell short against Slavia Prague with an aggregate 3-1 defeat.

Meanwhile, Defoe - who initially joined Rangers on loan in 2018 - recalled the comparisons former England teammate Gerrard made between Rangers and Liverpool when convincing him to sign.

He added: "Stevie being a manager and ex-teammate, I met him in London, had a discussion and did a presentation and he said something to me and I was like ‘wow’. Rangers reminds him of Liverpool. The size of the club reminds him of Liverpool.

"That’s a powerful statement and we know the size of the club and it’s history and I thought. I’d be good for me and a new challenge and opportunity to win a league title."

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