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With the World Cup set to kick off in mid-June, it's not likely that we'll be getting too much transfer news too quickly. Not all of Liverpool's likely targets will be involved, but most of world football will have their focus on Brazil, and the tournament's scope will do a fair bit to create some distance between season's end and actual transfer business. Let's just make sure it doesn't stop the rumors. That's where all the fun is.
Aside from players they'll look to bring in, though, there are also a number of contracts to be sorted out--Glen Johnson has been looking for a new deal, and most expect talks around a few other higher-profile players. That apparently includes Steven Gerrard, as the Liverpool Echo have run with quotes from Brendan Rodgers that indicate Liverpool will be looking to keep the skipper around past the end of his current deal:
"Steven will be one we look to get a contract to in the summer. With a year to go, it's something we will address. I believe Steven will play beyond 2015. He is a player who has really shown his qualities this season. Come the summer, he will still only be 34. Looking towards the future, I still think he's going to be a key part of our squad.
"He has dropped into a new position and played it seamlessly. His intelligence in the game is second to none. He is improving all the time. It's one where he has been brilliant for me as a captain and as a player this season and I would like that to continue."
What will be interesting is to see how many other players either sign new deals or get assurances that they're around for at least another season; the existing squad can't afford to lose too many players no matter how much Twitter tells you Lucas isn't good anymore, and James Pearce's comments in a webchat earlier in the day fall in line with Rodgers' comments a month or so ago that Liverpool will be adding. Not adding by subtracting, just adding.
That they'll confirm the presence of Steven Gerrard beyond the coming season is good news, but it certainly won't be the only news.
