Steven Gerrard rules out January loan return to Liverpool

Former England captain Steven Gerrard has no plans to return to Liverpool on loan during the Major League Soccer off-season. The Los Angeles Galaxy midfielder had been linked with a return to Anfield six months on from leaving Merseyside but has quashed speculation he is ready to revive his Premier League career.

The Independent reported in early November that the ex-Reds skipper had held talks with new manager Jurgen Klopp over a possible return to Merseyside in a coaching or playing capacity. The German boss later played down the possibility of Gerrard returning on a short-term basis but admitted the "doors are always open".

After LA Galaxy were knocked out of the MLS Cup by Seattle Sounders, the 35-year-old is not back in club action until the new season starts in March, making him available for a loan move during the early part of 2016. However, the Liverpool legend has ruled out any future reunions at his boyhood club and believes he has nothing to prove.

"I've retired from the national team so I don't have to go and prove myself in Europe," Gerrard told Eurosport. "I need to get some rest because I've got a very long season ahead next year, so it's very important I come back strong, rested and ready to go again."

Klopp was repeatedly questioned about the possibility of a Gerrard return to Liverpool - which despite his departure after 17 seasons at Anfield would be a popular move. The German was adamant no such agreement had been reached but said a future coaching role was not out of the question.

"I had contact with Stevie. We had one phone call and a few messages and of course I think I said the doors are always open," the new Liverpool boss told Sky Sports. "Stevie is a legend at this club and if he's here in Liverpool and he's young and healthy enough to want to train, that is absolutely no problem.

"Nothing else – he didn't ask [about playing] so I don't have to think about it. He is an LFC legend and our doors are always open. We will find for sure something for Stevie when he comes back and whatever he wants to do we will help him but not at this moment – we are in the middle of the season."