Inter Milan have registered an interest in signing Steven Gerrard.

Representatives from the Italian club sanctioned first contact with Gerrard in October before Frank de Boer was sacked as their manager.

Initial discussions related to the possibility of the 36-year-old's playing career extending by a further six months until the end of the 2016/17 campaign.

Though Inter have struggled in Serie A this season and currently lie in ninth position, some 13 points behind leaders Juventus ahead of the Milanese derby this weekend, the idea of potentially retiring at one of Europe's grand football institutions might appeal to Gerrard.

Gerrard is currently considering several playing and coaching proposals both in England and abroad after it was announced earlier this week that his contract with Los Angeles Galaxy would not continue beyond January.

Inter appointed Stefano Pioli as their new head coach on 8 November and while it remains to be seen whether they will make Gerrard a firm offer under his guidance, sources in Italy told The Independent that the club's desire to sign the midfielder originated at boardroom level.

There is disappointment at the San Siro that Inter's big summer midfield signings have failed - so far - to consistently meet expected standards.

Liverpool January transfer targets Show all 7 1 /7 Liverpool January transfer targets Liverpool January transfer targets Christian Pulisic (Borussia Dortmund) The Merseyside club failed with an £11m bid for the 18-year-old striker in the summer, but may try their hand at signing him again this January. Pulisic is one of Europe's most highly-rated teenagers, having already made his international debut for the United States. Getty Liverpool January transfer targets Virgil van Dijk (Southampton) It would not be a transfer window without Liverpool being linked with somebody from Southampton. This time it's Van Dijk, who has emerged as one of the Premier League's best centre-halves since arriving on the south coast from Celtic. Getty Liverpool January transfer targets Jonathan Tah (Bayer Leverkusen) Jurgen Klopp is reportedly keen to strengthen his defence and the Bayer Leverkusen centre-back would be a good addition for the Reds. The German Tah is only 20 years of age but has impressed for both club and country this season. Getty Liverpool January transfer targets Paul-Georges Ntep (Rennes) The left-midfielder’s deal at Rennes expires at the end of the season and so he will be free to sign a pre-contract in January. A strong dribbler of the ball, Ntep has been made two appearances for France. Getty Liverpool January transfer targets Alexandre Lacazette (Lyon) Seeing as Roberto Firmino is not a natural no. 9 and Daniel Sturridge has fallen out of favour, Liverpool have been linked with several strikers including French forward Alexandre Lacazette. The Lyon striker is quick, explosive and has already reached double figures this season. Getty Liverpool January transfer targets Inaki Williams (Athletic Bilbao) The Athletic Bilbao youngster signed a new contract in January with a release clause of €50m, but the rumours linking him with Anfield have not died down. The 22-year-old would certainly fit in with Jurgen Klopp’s style of play. Getty Liverpool January transfer targets Mahmoud Dahoud (Borussia Monchengladbach) Jurgen Klopp has long admired the Germany under-21 midfielder, who plies his trade with Borussia Monchengladbach in Germany. Klopp will have to do battle with former club Dortmund to sign the German, while Italian giants Juventus are also interested. Getty

Portugal's European Championship winner João Mário was recruited from Sporting Lisbon for around £40m while Éver Banega came from Sevilla and neither have since been able to rise above Inter's troubled start to the season, which has witnessed defeat by Southampton and the imminent possibility of Europa League elimination.

Other options currently available to Pioli include Geoffrey Kondogbia, Felipe Melo and Gary Medel, formerly of Cardiff City. It is believed that attempts will be made in January to sell both Melo and Medel, thus freeing up squad space in their midfield department.

Meanwhile, Gerrard's negotiations with MK Dons over the League One club's vacant managerial position are at a formative stage.