Lift for Liverpool as Gerrard hints that he will stay at Anfield

Despite a summer shrouded by uncertainty, Steven Gerrard has given the strongest hint yet that he will stay at Liverpool this season.

Gerrard has long been a transfer target for Real Madrid, but the Liverpool captain has spoken excitedly about the new season at Anfield.

Liverpool are 14/1 to win the Premier League title this season, and fans of the Reds will be buoyed by Gerrard’s reaction to his meeting with new Liverpool manager Roy Hodgson.

“I’m very impressed with his [Hodgson] plans for the team,” Gerrard said. “I can’t wait for the new season to start.”

Gerrard had only last June signed a contract extension keeping him at Anfield until 2013, but the 30-year-old’s future has been in doubt.

With Liverpool signaling their intent for the coming season with the acquisition of Joe Cole, however, Gerrard seems to have been convinced to stay with his hometown club.

Liverpool are 11/8 to finish in the top four, and Gerrard’s presence will be integral to the club’s hopes of a successful Premier League season.

The England midfielder’s apparent willingness to remain at Anfield could also convince Fernando Torres to stay on Merseyside, and the Spain striker is a convincing 1/4 to be a Liverpool player come the first day of the season.

Another new arrival at Anfield is Rangers highly-rated defender Danny Wilson, who is expected to sign a three-year-deal with Liverpool.

Already a player with Champions League experience, the 18-year-old Wilson will cost Liverpool an initial £2m, with a further £3m dependent on games played.

How successful can Liverpool be this season? They are 100/1 to win three trophies. See the full Liverpool Specials market.