Liverpool Transfer News: Latest Rumours on Steven Gerrard and Philippe Coutinho

Former Liverpool player Mark Lawrenson has urged manager Jurgen Klopp to bring Steven Gerrard back to Anfield after his stint with L.A. Galaxy came to an end.

Media pundit Lawrenson told BBC Sport the Reds should bring back the iconic midfielder in a coaching role but also make him available as a squad player after Gerrard said he is considering "options on and off the pitch."

The pundit said:

"

They will not have to pay him fortunes - they can tell him if they need him he'll play.

The most important thing in all this, though, is that he would not be seen as a threat by Jurgen Klopp if he was on the coaching staff.

He would be brilliant to have around the club because he would be in awe of Klopp, so that is just not a worry. I am sure Klopp would love it too - the only effects would be positive.

He has already coached Liverpool's under-16 team for a while in 2015 and really enjoyed it. If you are an under-16 and getting coached by Stevie G, then how good is that?

"

Gerrard confirmed his departure from his MLS team after an Instagram post hinted he was preparing to leave California after an 18-month stay:

The Galaxy's official website shared the news, revealing the Liverpool legend will not return for the 2017 season. The former England skipper explained his disappointment in not securing silverware during his stint in Los Angeles:

"

When I left Liverpool, I came to Los Angeles with the goal of helping the Galaxy lift another MLS Cup. I am of course disappointed to have not achieved that objective, but I can look back at my time at the club with pride at what we accomplished, including two straight playoff appearances and countless memorable moments on the pitch.

"

Here is Gerrard in MLS action:

The 36-year-old made his Liverpool debut in 1998 and captained the Reds to a number of triumphs, including victory in the 2005 UEFA Champions League final against AC Milan.

Gerrard made 710 appearances for the Reds, scoring 186 goals and winning eight major trophies, per BBC Sport.

According to Chris Beesley of the Liverpool Echo, Klopp has made it known that Gerrard is welcome back at the club any time. The midfielder also stopped in at the Melwood training complex last month as part of his recovery from injury.

Beesley added that it’s likely the former club captain will become part of Klopp's coaching team.

VANDERLEI ALMEIDA/Getty Images

In other Reds news, the future of Philippe Coutinho is in doubt after the player discussed a potential switch to Barcelona with Brazil team-mate Neymar, according to reports.

According to UOL Esporte (h/t Catalan daily Sport), Barca are big admirers of the attacker, who has grown in stature during his time in the Premier League.

Sky Sports' Fabrizio Romano recently proclaimed the player as one of the best on the planet after another superb display for Brazil:

Coutinho has become the heartbeat of Liverpool in the past 12 months, and his loss cannot be contemplated if Klopp wants to mount a consistent challenge on the Premier League title every year.

Liverpool have discovered an attacking balance that is fast becoming the envy of English football, and Klopp has found a formula that is winning him regular points and plaudits.

The return of Gerrard will be soaked in nostalgia if the veteran returns to Anfield after an emotional farewell.

However, the player is past his best and absconded to America to see out his days in the sunshine of L.A.

He would certainly be useful as a coaching addition—as Lawrenson highlighted—but he no longer has the fitness to feature at the highest level of English football.