Steven Gerrard is reportedly in talks with Jürgen Klopp over a surprise return to Liverpool, with the former captain considering ending his spell with LA Galaxy early.

The Independent has claimed that the 35-year-old, who left Anfield at the end of last season to join the MLS side on an 18-month contract, has held several phone conversations with Klopp over a potential role in the German manager's coaching staff.

The report also claims that "there is a chance of a formal playing agreement being brokered", although that could be complicated by the likelihood that Galaxy would demand a transfer fee as they are not willing to allow him to go out on loan.

Gerrard's season ended last week when Galaxy were knocked out of the MLS play-offs by Seattle Sounders.

He is due back for pre-season training on January 15 and is reported to have discussed his future with the manager Bruce Arena before flying back to the UK on Wednesday morning.

The speculation comes at a time when Gerrard admitted that his time on the field was coming to an end. "It could be my last season as a footballer," he told LA Galaxy's website.

"I certainly don't want to feel like I'm feeling right now come next year. Going on the road, playing on [artificial] turf, playing at altitude, playing in humidity, those are the hurdles that I've had to face over the last three months that I wasn't aware of. Every away game has a different challenge."

Source: The Guardian