Steven Gerrard to leave Liverpool: Ross Barkley? Paul Pogba? Morgan Schneiderlin? Who could be his replacement?

The captain leaves his boyhood club after 26-year association

Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers faces a challenge none of his predecessors have had to even consider - replacing Steven Gerrard.

POLL: Is Gerrard Liverpool's greatest ever player?

Gerrard's departure at the end of the season will leave a hole at Anfield in terms of midfield dynamism and leadership. It will be an opportunity for players such as Jordan Henderson or Joe Allen to step up but there could be other options.

"I'm going to carry on playing and although I can't confirm at this stage where that will be," said the 34-year-old Gerrard in his statement released today. "I can say it will be somewhere that means I won't be playing for a competing club and will not therefore be lining up against Liverpool - that is something I could never contemplate."

So, who could the Reds buy to fill that hole in the middle? Click through the gallery below...

Gerrard won one Champions League, one Uefa Cup, two FA Cups, three League Cups, one Community Shield and two Uefa Super Cups with the club in an illustrious 26-year career at Anfield.

PA