Liverpool star Gerrard: I could retire in four years

Steven Gerrard has said he could retire from football in four years time when his Anfield contract expires.

The Liverpool captain's contract runs out in 2013 and he admits will be tempted to call it a day and complete his career as a one-club man. Gerrard also revealed how close he came to joining Chelsea in 2005.

I will be 33 at the end of my contract in 2013 and I don't know if I will go any further,' Gerrard told France Football.

'If I do retire, then I will know that from the start to the end of my career I only had one club. And I don't want to think about wearing any other shirt in the future.

'I was close to leaving in the past, maybe twice, most notably in 2005. That year we (Liverpool) were a long way off the Premier League title and Chelsea's interest turned my head.

'It was a difficult moment for me. However, now when I look back I am very happy that I chose to stay here. It has given me real pride.'

Shearer could be Newcastle boss in days

Alan Shearer could be installed as Newcastle manager before a takeover is completed.

Managing director Derek Llambias has revealed that the 38-year-old could be appointed within days provided that the groups currently engaged in the bidding process for the club all agree they want him as boss.

Interested parties who have proved they have the finance to push a deal through will be able to study the club's books from tomorrow, when an on-line 'data room' opens.
Although a successful buy-out could then still be some weeks away as they carry out due diligence, Shearer could be put in place to belatedly start the business of preparing for the new season.

Llambias told the Journal: 'There could be some movement regarding Alan Shearer at the end of this week or early next week.

'The data room will be open on Wednesday, which will allow the groups who have proved they have the money to buy the club to look at the books.

'Nobody has been able to do that yet because the data room hasn't been opened.

'We will not be making any decision on Alan as manager - that is not up to us, that is down to the groups who are buying the club.

'If they want to appoint him, then it's up to them. We will speak to them about it. If they do want Alan, then something could be done in the next few days.

'That's where we are at this stage and everything is ongoing.