Liverpool are expected to open talks with Steven Gerrard today over an extension to his contract in a bid to deflect long-standing interest from Real Madrid and Chelsea.

Gerrard is due to report back with the first-team squad for pre-season training at Melwood this morning, with discussions likely to begin in the afternoon. The 25-year-old has been confused by the delay in starting talks, though his instinct is to remain at the club he has supported since his youth. Yet the outcome of the initial round of talks could be pivotal to realising that ambition.

"Of course I want to stay here," he said this month. "I don't know how long the talks will go on for, but the sooner they start the better because I want my future sorted before the start of the new season."

Gerrard is aware of Real's interest, which prompted two telephone calls from the Spanish club's director of football Arrigo Sacchi to Rafael Benitez. Chelsea's admiration for him has been omnipresent since he rejected a move to Stamford Bridge last summer. ... Guardian Service