Tottenham remain in the hunt for a new manager and have seen a raid on Rangers for a title-winning coach mooted, but Peter Crouch has said that "when Steven Gerrard returns to England, it will be to take over from Jurgen Klopp".
The Liverpool legend continues to see his stock rise in coaching circles after overseeing an unbeaten Scottish Premiership campaign at Ibrox, with it considered to be only a matter of time before another challenge is taken on.
Gerrard is, however, tied to a contract in Glasgow through to 2024 - which mirrors the deal that Klopp is working on at Anfield - and Crouch cannot see his former Reds and England team-mate agreeing to succeed Jose Mourinho in north London when he can wait for another opening on Merseyside.
What has been said?
Crouch told the Daily Mail when asked if there is any chance of Spurs luring Gerrard back to the Premier League: "I actually played in a youth game when I was 18 for Spurs against Liverpool.
"Steven played that day and was ridiculous; he was on another level. He was so good that Alan Sugar immediately tried to sign him for Tottenham afterwards, but it was a complete non-starter.
"Steven's stock is rising and the way he has overseen the renaissance of Rangers is outstanding.
"I hear people talking about the strength of the Scottish league and questioning the quality but what I would argue is this: if it was so easy, why aren't teams going unbeaten every year?
"He is going to be an outstanding manager and if I was running Tottenham, I would absolutely be interested in a man of his calibre.
"But could you see Steven Gerrard managing anyone in the Premier League other than Liverpool? No. Nor can I.
"When Steven returns to England, it will be to take over from Jurgen Klopp. I really don't see it any other way."
Who else is being linked with the Tottenham job?
Gerrard remains an outsider with bookmakers when it comes to the vacant role at Spurs, with interim boss Ryan Mason available at shorter odds than the ex-England captain.
Simone Inzaghi, the current Lazio boss, heads the market at present and appears to be the frontrunner in Daniel Levy's plans.
Leicester manager Brendan Rodgers, fresh from savouring FA Cup glory with the Foxes, is also in the mix, as is Fulham coach Scott Parker, given his strong ties to Tottenham from his playing days.
Two more Premier League managers, Graham Potter of Brighton and Nuno of Wolves, are also attracting plenty of support when it comes to a big decision that is about to be made in north London.
Further reading
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