Steven Gerrard to LA Galaxy: Liverpool captain on the brink of finalising move to MLS

Deal, worth around £6m, expected to be finalised this week

Steven Gerrard celebrates giving Liverpool the lead with the first of his two goals against AFC Wimbledon on Monday night (Getty) (Getty)

Steven Gerrard is expected to announce he is joining the LA Galaxy at some point this week on an 18-month deal.

The Liverpool captain shocked football when he announced he would be quitting the Reds, the only team he's ever played for, to play in the US.

The 34-year-old is expected to sign an 18-month deal worth around £6million, making him one of the richest earners in Major League Soccer. The BBC report that an announcement will be made before the end of the week.

He will be available to join the Galaxy once his contract expires in June.

Former Liverpool team-mate Robbie Keane plays at the club, but it's the retirement of Galaxy legend Landon Donovan that has allowed Gerrard to make the move.

MLS has a salary cap and three designated player places, which can allow a club to sign star players. Donovan's retirement will allow Gerrard to sign a deal worth about £4m a year, £76,000 a week, making him one of the top five earners in the division.

The season runs from March until October.