ROY HODGSON is confident Steven Gerrard will stay at Liverpool after giving ‘no indication’ he wants to leave.

With Real Madrid said to be preparing a bid for Gerrard, Hodgson expects interest in the club captain to continue but is comfortable that he is happy at Anfield.

The new Liverpool manager had a face-to-face meeting with Gerrard and Jamie Carragher at Melwood just hours after stepping into the manager’s office last week.

Hodgson said he was anxious to meet the pair and particularly Gerrard to discuss his ideas to take the club forward.

Now, after meeting the player, Hodgson believes he will remain at Liverpool.

“Obviously Steven and Jamie are the playing heartbeat of the club and it’s very important we keep people like that with us,” said Hodgson.

“I anticipate there might be a situation where other big clubs will try and sign Steven, but he gave no indication that he wanted to leave.

“Nobody at the club wants him to go so I will be doing my utmost to make sure he stays. I am confident he will.”