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Steven Gerrard is paving the way for a stunning return to English football next month.

The former Liverpool and England legend’s contract with LA Galaxy expires in November. He is currently awaiting formal talks.

That means the iconic midfielder, 36, could be a free agent, once Galaxy’s progress in the MLS play-offs is decided.

Gerrard said: “I’m wondering whether I should play on for a little bit longer or whether I should call it a day. I haven’t 100 per cent decided on that yet.

(Image: Getty) (Image: Liverpool Echo)

“I still enjoy playing. I still love coming into training, I still love competing, so if I can carry on and there are opportunities to stay here or go somewhere else for another six months or 12 months then I’ll consider it.

“But if nothing comes up I’ll try and fly through the coaching badges and see what happens down that road.”

Gerrard’s availability will be attractive to a posse of English clubs - with some considering him as a potential player-manager.

With his family splitting their time between California and Merseyside, a tempting opportunity to return permanently would leave him with a huge decision.

Gerrard added: “I’m around 60 percent through my A licence and I’m hoping to have that finished by the end of the year so we’ll go from there.

(Image: Andrew Powell) (Image: Andrew Powell/Liverpool FC via Getty)

“Maybe it’s an obsession but I still love playing. I’m going to be a long time retired and so I still want to enjoy things while I’m still feeling good.”

Gerrard has previously stated that Liverpool is the only Premier League club he would play for.

Anfield boss Jurgen Klopp has had a number of meaningful discussions with Gerrard and a player-coaching role could be a possibility while a number of Championship clubs would jump at the chance of having one of the greatest ever midfield stars in their ranks.

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Gerrard confesses to being hooked on the trials and tribulations of the Premier League.

In the interview with Radio City Talk he added: “With Jurgen Klopp and Ronald Koeman on Merseyside, Pep Guardiola and Jose Mourinho in Manchester and Antonio Conte, Mauricio Pochettino and Arsene Wenger in London it’s really exciting for the Premier League.

“I can’t wait until there’s around 10 games to go to see how it all unfolds. This could be one of the best ever seasons.

(Image: REUTERS) (Image: Jan Kruger/Getty)

“What I have seen so far City are flying while I fancy Liverpool to break into the top four. I fancied Chelsea until Liverpool went there and won.

"I was disappointed with them. City are a definite and then I think there’s five teams fighting for three positions, Man Utd, Liverpool, Arsenal, Spurs and Chelsea.”

He has also told the critics to lay off the current Anfield captain Jordan Henderson.

(Image: Action Images) (Image: Action Images via Reuters)

“I think criticism happens a lot in football, I’ve had it myself. It’s all about different eras. We see players described as the next Paul Gascoigne, the next Bobby Moore, the next this, that and the other, and that’s not fair on players.

“People have got to judge Jordan Henderson for Jordan Henderson. What does he give to the team, what does he give to his team-mates around him? I know this kid and he has come out of Sunderland and has gone to a big club.

"He didn’t get off to the best of starts – he knows that himself – but he has worked tremendously hard to improve in every single department.

“He really cares. He goes home and tries everything he can to be the best at what he does so he should be judged on what he brings to the team.

“He has shown bits of quality in games this season – especially in the win at Chelsea. The way he presses, the work rate, the high intensity. He is prepared to do the dirty work.

“Then there is his passing which is excellent and look at that goal at Stamford Bridge. If any other player had scored that goal the world would have gone nuts. That’s the goal of the season for me so far.”