Steven Gerrard Reportedly Contacted by Inter Milan to Extend Playing Career

Inter Milan are reportedly interested in signing Liverpool legend Steven Gerrard following his recent departure from Major League Soccer side Los Angeles Galaxy.

Per Simon Hughes in The Independent, the Italian club first contacted the 36-year-old in October, and Inter are eager to sign him up to the end of the 2016-17 Serie A season.

Hughes added that Gerrard is also in talks to take the managerial job at MK Dons and is ultimately eager to eventually return to Anfield, but "a chance to retire at Inter could be too good to turn down."

Gerrard joined LA Galaxy in 2015 following a 17-year senior career with Liverpool, during which he won the 2005 UEFA Champions League, two FA Cups and three League Cups.

He enjoyed a relatively fruitful 18 months in California, netting five goals and providing 14 assists in 34 appearances, but he could not propel Galaxy to MLS Cup glory.

In a departing interview, Gerrard expressed his disappointment that he could not go all the way with the Galaxy:

The prospect of a last hurrah at Inter, one of Europe's most storied clubs, will surely be attractive to the former England international, and there is a feeling from many he still has something to offer, per The Independent's Ian Herbert:

Inter have endured a miserable 2016-17 campaign so far.

Frank de Boer was recently sacked as manager after just 85 days in the job, with Stefano Pioli subsequently appointed as his successor.

Inter prevailed in their last outing in Serie A with a 3-0 win against Crotone, but they still lie ninth in the Italian top flight, 13 points back from league leaders Juventus.

The addition of a player with the experience and quality of Gerrard could be a smart move by Inter, as he could act as an on-field talisman in the second half of a difficult campaign.