Real Madrid ahead of Man City in £30M battle for Liverpool ace Gerrard

Real Madrid are preparing a £30 million bid for Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard.

The Daily Star Sunday says Spanish sources say Real, who crashed out of the European Cup against Lyon last Wednesday, believe Gerrard, 29, is ready to quit Anfield after another frustrating season.

Real want to link the England midfielder with former Manchester United star Cristiano Ronaldo.

But even a hint that Gerrard could be prised away from Anfield would see the big-spending Spanish giants face fierce competition from the Premier League’s richest club – Manchester City.

It’s thought, however, that if Gerrard left Liverpool he would prefer to move abroad rather than sign for another English club.