Steven Gerrard could be set for his first foray into management after the former Liverpool and England captain held preliminary talks with Sky Bet League One outfit MK Dons.

It’s understood that the 36-year-old has emerged as a contender for the vacant post at stadium:mk after both parties made contact with each other.

Talks are believed to be at an embryonic stage as the Dons look to appoint a permanent successor to Karl Robinson — who was sacked last month after six years at the helm.

Gerrard announced earlier this week that he will not be renewing his contract with Los Angeles Galaxy when it expires and his departure from the Major League Soccer outfit was expected after they were eliminated from the post-season play-offs.

He said at the time that he was considering the next stage of his career, and it appears that could now lead to a first managerial role.

MK Dons have not won a league game since October 1st and sit 21st in League One, with Richie Barker in charge on an interim basis.

Barker will remain in charge for Saturday’s trip to Bristol Rovers but could soon be replaced by Gerrard, who could follow in the footsteps of Paul Ince, Roberto Di Matteo and Robinson in cutting their teeth in the Dons hot-seat.

Ince had only a brief stint as player-manager of Macclesfield on his CV before his appointment in 2007, while Di Matteo — who went on to win the Champions League as Chelsea boss — had no prior experience when replacing Ince in 2008.

And Russell Forgham, a committee member of Milton Keynes Dons Supporters’ Association, believes Gerrard can be the next big name to show his ability in the dugout at stadium:mk.

“Some of the previous managers had MK Dons as their first appointment,” he said.

“Frank Lampard and Ryan Giggs have also been linked as well, any of those it would be a great club for their first managership.

“Certainly any of them would fit in with the history of the club. I think the fans would welcome him, both Roberto and Karl were really good managers. Our club give those people the time to make an impact.”

It is understood that the Dons are not close to appointing Gerrard having only held preliminary talks with the Champions League winner.

Gerrard’s exit from the Galaxy was confirmed by the club on Tuesday but the player admitted he had been thinking about his next move for some time already.

”I am now looking forward to spending time with my family as I consider the next stage of my career,” he said after his 18-month deal ended.

”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 play-off appearances and countless memorable moments on the pitch.

”As someone who spent the whole of their career in Liverpool, it has been an incredible experience to come to Los Angeles and play for the LA Galaxy.”

Gerrard scored five goals in 34 appearances but generally his time in California has not been viewed as particularly successful.

He had been linked to a return to Liverpool in a coaching capacity and also a reunion with former manager Brendan Rodgers at Celtic.