Steven Gerrard's former teammate Glen Johnson believes there is no doubt that the Rangers manager will become Liverpool's next boss once Jurgen Klopp eventually departs Anfield.
Gerrard has led the Gers to their first SPL title in ten years, with Celtic's failure to beat Dundee United on Sunday confirming them as champions.
And given Klopp's current struggles with Liverpool, there is increased speculation that Gerrard could be set for an emotional return to the club as manager in the near future.
Speaking to CheltenhamGuides.com, Johnson did little to play down the rumours by suggesting it is a foregone conclusion that Gerrard will replace Klopp - but he doesn't think it will happen just yet.
"Gerrard will definitely be Liverpool's next choice," Johnson said. "He’s a one-off legend at the club and a legend of the game.
"He’s been fantastic at Rangers, but he’s a very, very young manager and that seat at Liverpool is just different. It’s a global job where there are no hiding places and he won’t want a replica of Frank Lampard’s situation when he went to Chelsea a bit too early and you have to be careful for what you wish for.
"Klopp has been unbelievable so there is no chance that he won’t be there next season but I do think Stevie will be the Liverpool manager one day, but I wouldn’t start talking about that now just because they’ve lost a few home games."
Johnson is confident that both Gerrard and Lampard will go on to be successful in management, but believes a lot will depend on both luck and timing.
"They’re both very young in their managerial careers, but the problem with managerial jobs is that the door only opens a certain amount of times a year, so it’s all about timing," he added.
"Lampard had to take that Chelsea job because that door might not have opened again for the next 10 years, so he had to take it and it was just unfortunate about the timing.
"Whereas with Stevie, he can be a bit more patient because he’s gone to Rangers and done very well and doesn’t have to go to Liverpool right now because they’ve got a good manager and the club is long-term on the way up and he’ll get his opportunity to go there sooner rather than later."
