Man Utd, Chelsea to rival Real Madrid's £22M bid for Liverpool star Gerrard

Real Madrid are set to spark a fresh bidding war for Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard in January.

The Sunday Mirror says Real intend to offer £22 million for the midfielder when the transfer window reopens. And if Liverpool show any indication of selling, then Manchester United and Chelsea are sure to follow up with bids of their own.

Liverpool will fight to keep Gerrard - on target against West Brom yesterday - but a gentleman's agreement struck with chief executive Rick Parry, giving the midfielder power to demand a move if he's unhappy, will leave him with the final say.

Chelsea almost signed Gerrard after Euro2004, while United boss Sir Alex Ferguson rates the England ace as the man to take over from Roy Keane.