Gerrard ready to sort out new deal

Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard hopes talks over a new deal can be resolved quickly. After leading the club to victory in the Champions League, Gerrard is now ready to commit his future to Anfield.

Gerrard has been linked with other clubs - most notably with Chelsea last summer - but he is now keen for discussions with Liverpool officials to get under way.

Asked if he wanted to stay at Liverpool, the 25-year-old told Sky Sports News: "Of course. I've still got two seasons left and I don't know how long talks will go on for but the sooner it is sorted the better."

Gerrard insists he is already looking forward to the start of the new season, which for Liverpool begins with a Champions League first-round qualifier on July 12 or 13.

He is unconcerned about having to start the season so early and is just happy UEFA have been able to allocate Liverpool a place in the competition.

UEFA changed their rules last week to allow the holders the chance to defend their title. They had not qualified automatically after finishing fifth in the Barclays Premiership.

He added: "It is very important for the champions to defend the trophy. I'm looking forward to a long season ahead.

"We can't complain about being in the first round because the rules stated we shouldn't be in it.

"The European Cup has gone now. We've got to be just as hungry. We won the big one but it is important we forget about that and move on and try to do better in the Premiership."

The early start to Gerrard's season means he could be in action for almost a year should England go far in the World Cup.

But he brushed aside fears he may be tired, saying: "People think I'll be drained but I'll look after myself."