Gerrard deal imminent

The hugely influential 23-year-old midfielder has made it clear for many weeks that he would put pen to paper on a deal with Gerard Houlier's men but, as that lucrative contract remained unsigned, rumours linking with a move to Roman Abramovich's Chelsea continued to grow within the media.

Ahead of Sunday's crucial Premiership clash with Manchester United, however, the dynamic England international has insisted that he will put his words into action in the very near future.

Gerrard said: "Everything is agreed now and it's just a question of putting my signature on the contract. I am delighted to be committing myself to this club. I expect the formalities of signing will happen this week."