Klopp: Door is open for Gerrard but not as player

Steven Gerrard: Can train at Liverpool while he is back in England. Picture: AP

But the German would be happy to welcome him back in another capacity once his contract with Los Angeles Galaxy is over.

A report suggested there was a prospect the 35-year-old midfielder, currently in the Major League Soccer off-season, could don the red shirt again after a conversation with Klopp about training with the squad now he is back in England.

But the manager said that was not likely, although he is happy to honour the agreement Gerrard had with former manager Brendan Rodgers to train at the club’s Melwood base while he is home.

“I spoke with Stevie. One phone call and a few messages. He is a very nice guy I must say,” said Klopp, who has yet to meet Gerrard in person. “He’s a Liverpool legend, but his contract is in the USA. But now his break starts and I told him, ‘when you are here of course you can come whenever you want, you can train with us if you think it is good for you.

“Of course our doors are always open for him. Stevie has a contract with LA Galaxy, but he loves this club and he is a legend. When his contract has ended, we can talk about different stuff.

“We will find for sure something for Stevie when he comes back and, whatever he wants to do, we will help him but not at this moment – we are in the middle of the season.

“Everything is fine, perfect between LFC and Stevie, but I don’t know him until now and I’m looking forward to the moment we meet each other and we’ll talk about his ideas for the future, maybe, if he has some. The door is always open. Of course.”