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Steven Gerrard is close to signing a new four-year contract with Liverpool.

The 26-year-old has two years left on his current deal but the Liverpool for him to sign an improved, extended deal that will keep him at the club for the remainder of his career.

“Talks are progressing and I am ready to sign a new contract any time now. As soon as the contract is put in front of me I will sign it,” Gerrard said.

New owners Tom Hicks and George Gillett are also willing to agree a £120,000 weekly wage for the England midfielder.

The contract will, Gerrard hopes, help Liverpool launch a challenge for the Premiership title next season.

“We can’t escape the fact that, in the league, this season we haven’t been good enough,” admitted Gerrard.

“You ask the manager, or me, or indeed any of the players in our dressing room and they will all say exactly the same thing.

“We had bigger ambitions for this season than the Champions League.

“We always had one eye on Europe because it is so prestigious and a tournament that has always served us well but we also wanted the league flag flying back at Anfield and felt we were in a good position to have a real go.

“The league is always your bread and butter as a Liverpool player and we are not far away.

“With investment in the summer, and the squad here staying together, we can promise to push Chelsea and Manchester United all the way next year.”

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