Gerrard pledges future to Reds

STEVEN GERRARD has insisted that he will “definitely” sign a new contract with Liverpool.

The England star and his advisors have been in preliminary discussions with the Anfield club for some time over a new deal as his current contract runs out in the summer of 2005.

Now, in a week when boss Gerard Houllier and his side have once again come under intense scrutiny after the disappointing defeat at Charlton, this is one piece of good news for the Liverpool chief.

And Houllier was quick to praise Gerrard, saying: “I am proud of his development.

“My next challenge for him is to become a world class player. I want him to rise to another level and to become a real star, both on and off the field.

“I think he is still two or three years away from being world class.

“I am pleased with his attitude. I have watched Stevie develop and grow up and it looks now as if he understands the duties he has regarding his career.”

Serious contract talks started a couple of weeks ago and Gerrard said: “They are progressing really well.

“I am certain everything will be sorted very soon. I do not foresee any problems at all because I am definitely going to sign a new contract.

“I always wanted to stay and that is exactly what is going to happen.”

Gerrard, 23, who played his 200th game for Liverpool at The Valley, is believed to be discussing a new five-year deal that will see his wages rise to over £50,000 a week and place him behind only Michael Owen and Harry Kewell in the Anfield pay league.

That means he will be on around £2.6m a year and if he stays at the club for the full five-year term, it will cost Liverpool £13m.

The next stage for Houllier and Liverpool, however, will be much harder. They have also been having preliminary talks with Owen’s advisors and soon must start those in earnest.

Owen, too, has until the summer of 2005 on his current deal, and the fear at Anfield is that any new talks could be strung out over several months as the club and country’s leading striker considers his options.

Meanwhile, Paris St Germain coach Vahid Halilhodzic has hinted the club may move for Manchester United goalkeeper Fabien Barthez when the transfer window re-opens in January.

Barthez has fallen the pecking order at Old Trafford and with his international place under threat, may be tempted by a move to the French capital.

Although PSG president Francis Graille said last Wednesday he was not interested in the former Monaco man, Halilhodzic offered another opinion when asked 24 hours later.

“Barthez cannot come now simply because we cannot pay him a salary even if Manchester contribute some of it,” the Bosnian said.

“But during the winter transfer window, considering PSG’s position in the table and our ambitions, we might recruit. We might get some players if we need them.”

Barthez, who won the 1998 World Cup and 2000 European Championships with France, remains in favour with national team coach Jaques Santini but that situation could soon change should the 32-year-old fail to see more playing time at United.