Steven Gerrard loan switch to Europe 'never been discussed' insist LA Galaxy

It's expected that the Liverpool captain will be playing back in Europe during the MLS off-season

Steven Gerrard is leaving Liverpool (GETTY IMAGES)

The prospect of Steven Gerrard playing for a club other than LA Galaxy after he leaves Liverpool has "never been discussed" according to the MLS club.

High-profile players that move to the league in the United States have made a habit of going on loan to other teams, taking advantage of the different season start and end dates of the MLS season compared to Europe.

David Beckham had spells with AC Milan, Robbie Keane played for Aston Villa last season and Thierry Henry went to Arsenal.

The MLS season will be in full-swing when Gerrard moves to LA in July and they have said the England captain will start playing almost immediately for them. Some players, including Keane and Henry, made quick starts to their careers in the United States after a short break after the conclusion of the season in England. However, some others have waited until the start of the next season in March. According to LA Galaxy Gerrard will make his debut against San Jose on 17 July.

Gerrard has said he will not play for a team that can compete directly with Liverpool, but with the Reds not guaranteed European football of any level next term, that could leave a lot of loan options on the continent.

Yet the prospect of the 34-year-old (who will be 35 in May) joining a major Serie A, La Liga or Bundesliga side has "never been discussed" according to LA Galaxy president Chris Klein. In an interview with the BBC it was said that "Gerrard's focus will be LA Galaxy" - a statement that appears to leave open the option of a loan move.

Gerrard could come to a European side in January during the MLS off-season.