Rumours - Gerrard tops Madrid wish list

Published: 03 Jun 2010 - 10:53:00

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While the mainstream media have focussed upon England's arrival in South Africa and Rafa Benitez's seemingly impending exit from Anfield, one man with a boot in both camps could be set to add yet another stamp to his passport.

That man, of course, is Steven Gerrard.

The Liverpool and England midfielder is heavily rumoured to be attracting attention from Jose Mourinho's Real Madrid, who have identified Gerrard as their number one summer transfer target with president Florentino Perez apparently preparing a £30 million bid.

Mourinho has already tried to sign Gerrard twice while manager at Chelsea, but given the Reds failure to secure Champions League football next season, combined with Benitez’s inevitable departure and the mass exodus that is sure to follow, it could be third time lucky for 'the Special One'.

Gerrard had previously stated that he would be reluctant to leave England which in itself could prove a potential stumbling block in luring him to the Bernabeu, but at 30 years of age and with Liverpool some distance from competing for the Premier League title that Gerrard yearns, it would appear an ideal time for the Liverpool skipper to have a change of heart.

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Elsewhere, Chelsea boss Carlo Ancelotti is said to be exploring the possibility of bringing Zlatan Ibrahimovic to Stamford Bridge, while Blues midfielder Joe Cole could be heading to London neighbours Arsenal.

Finally, Fulham appear set to win the race to sign Lyon’s French striker Frederic Piquionne, who was on loan at Portsmouth last season, having allegedly agreed a £2 million deal.