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Liverpool FC are set to open contract talks with Steven Gerrard as they look to ensure he remains at Anfield beyond this season.

The Reds skipper has admitted he could leave his boyhood club when his current deal expires next summer.

Gerrard revealed he has no intention of retiring in 2015 and that he would “see what’s out there” if Liverpool didn’t offer him an extension.

That has sparked fears among fans that the 34-year-old midfielder, who could sign a pre-contract agreement with a rival club in January, may finish his playing days elsewhere.

However, Liverpool are determined to ensure that doesn’t happen and will offer Gerrard a 12-month extension to cover the 2015/16 campaign.

Anfield officials always intended to wait to see how the early stages of this season panned out before sitting down with the skipper to discuss his future. Talks are expected to begin in the next fortnight with the Reds fully committed to keeping him at Anfield.

Gerrard has played every minute of every Premier League game so far this term and remains an integral part of Brendan Rodgers’ side. After being rested for the midweek Capital One Cup win over Swansea City, he will lead the Reds out against Newcastle United at St James’ Park today.

Owners Fenway Sports Group know that aside from Gerrard’s enduring talent on the field, he is also an inspirational leader and model professional off it. His wealth of experience is seen as invaluable in a squad packed full of young potential.

Money won’t be a stumbling block in any negotiations but discussions are likely to centre around how Liverpool see Gerrard’s role in the side going forward. Whether he would be willing to one day make the transition to being a squad player is unlikely.

However, there is currently no suggestion that Rodgers is looking to reduce his role having recently described him as “a genuine world class player” and “still in a real good physical condition”. When Gerrard decided to retire from international football back in July, Rodgers talked about how he had years left at the highest level.

The prospect of Gerrard, who has shown Liverpool remarkable loyalty by repeatedly rejecting lucrative moves away from Anfield during his glittering career, ever playing for another Premier League club is unthinkable.

However, he did admit back in the summer that he hadn’t completely ruled out playing abroad before he hung up his boots.

During the pre-season tour of the USA he was asked about the possibility of following the same path as his former England team-mate Frank Lampard, who will play for new Major League Soccer outfit New York City FC in 2015.

“I think Frank has made a great decision,” he said.

“I don’t think he has anything to prove in England in any more.

“One day that might happen to me, I don’t know. I’ve never really discussed it with anyone or thought about it.

“Maybe one day I would like the chance to go away from Liverpool for a short time and try something different. But I haven’t given it much thought. That carrot hasn’t been dangled yet.”