Steven Gerrard has been appointed manager of Saudi Pro League side Al-Ettifaq and the club are aiming to bring in high profile players for their new boss to work with.
The Liverpool legend has signed a two-year contract with Al-Ettifaq, with the club’s chairman Khalid Al-Dabal saying: ‘Without a doubt, Gerrard’s presence will be an addition and a quantum leap to our league.’
The team finished seventh in the Saudi Pro League last season without any star names in the squad, but the club intend to bring in some more recognisable faces.
The Daily Mail reports that the signings of Alvaro Morata and Philippe Coutinho are being explored, while Jesse Lingard has also been linked with a move.
Former Chelsea forward Morata has just enjoyed one of the better goal-scoring seasons of his career, netting 13 times in La Liga and 15 in all competitions for Atletico Madrid.
Coutinho was brought to Aston Villa by Gerrard when he was in charge of the club, but he had a very underwhelming season last time around, scoring once in 22 appearances.
The Brazilian remains under contract at Villa Park until 2026 but the club would be willing to sell him and get his hefty salary off the wage bill if interest from Saudi becomes concrete.
Lingard is a free agent after leaving Nottingham Forest at the end of the season and has been training with Inter Miami, although he is yet to decide on his next move.
‘I’m considering all options,’ Lingard told Sky Sports. ‘I’ve never ruled out any team or club out, so for me it’s just picking the right team and it’s got to be right for me.
‘Obviously the project has got to be well suited for me, the team’s got to be moving in the right direction but just regular game-time – I’m still hungry.
‘Saudi Arabia are doing big things, and in the next couple of years or so, it will be one of the hotspots to go to.
‘I’m not really surprised that the big names are moving out there. Like I say, they’re doing big things and it’s something I would consider as well – I’ve not ruled that out either.’
MORE : Al-Ettifaq confirm Steven Gerrard as new manager as he joins Saudi Pro League
MORE : Dominik Szoboszlai reveals reason he wanted Steven Gerrard’s number 8 shirt at Liverpool
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