STEVEN GERRARD may have moved halfway across the world to manage Saudi Pro League side Al-Ettifaq, but he's looking much closer to home for new recruits.
The Liverpool legend, 43, became one of the highest-paid managers in world football after sealing the switch to Saudi Arabia.
Al-Ettifaq most likely signings
Betfair odds
- Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang – 1/2
- Sadio Mane – Evens
- Wilfried Zaha – 11/4
- Philippe Coutinho – 6/1
- Jordan Henderson – 10/1
- James Tavernier – 12/1
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Gerrard initially declined the offer but completed a surprising U-turn having been promised a huge transfer budget by Al-Ettifaq, who finished seventh last season.
The club have their sights set on challenge for the title having been taken over by the state's Public Investment Fund.
Success is far from guaranteed with the likes of Karim Benzema, Cristiano Ronaldo and N'Golo Kante all now playing in the Middle East.
But who will help Gerrard to silverware? Bookmakers Betfair have revealed Al-Ettifaq's SIX top targets, and their likelihood of joining.
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang – 1/2
The Gabon international is expected to join the mass Stamford Bridge exodus this summer, and Al-Ettifaq have already expressed interest.
The 34-year-old scored three goals in 21 appearances for Chelsea since arriving from Barcelona in September 2022.
He is contracted until June 2024, but wants to leave this summer and Mauricio Pochettino's side are unlikely to put up too much resistance to his departure.
Sadio Mane – Evens
Things haven't gone too smoothly for Sadio Mane since joining Bayern Munich from Liverpool. The forward is believed to have been transfer-listed by manager Thomas Tuchel.
Mane was fined and sidelined for 'misconduct' having reportedly punched team-mate Leroy Sane in the lip following Bayern's 3-0 loss to Manchester City in the Champions League.
The player had been linked to a reunion with Roberto Firmino at Al-Ahli but his agent has denied the claims and the feeling is that he wants to continue with Bayern.
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Wilfried Zaha – 11/4
Perhaps the strongest rumour, Gerrard is said to have held constructive face-to-face talks with Wilfried Zaha about a move to Saudi.
Zaha is a free agent and Al-Ettifaq are believed to have offered him a net amount of £16million a season, which equates to £600,000-per-week before tax.
Philippe Coutinho – 6/1
Another reunion… Gerrard and Philippe Coutinho spent three seasons together in Liverpool's midfield, and again linked up at Aston Villa during his short tenure at Villa Park.
The band could get back together in Saudi, but that's likely to hinge on Unai Emery with the 31-year-old Brazilian contracted until June 2026.
Jordan Henderson – 10/1
A more speculative price, but it's been reported that Gerrard is 'actively' trying to sign Liverpool captain Jordan Henderson.
The England international, 32, is approaching the twilight years of his career but remains a regular under Jurgen Klopp. Perhaps the arrivals of Alexis Mac Allister and Dominik Szoboszlai could alter his thinking.
James Tavernier – 12/1
Steven Gerrard is reportedly interested in Rangers captain and talismanic right-back James Tavernier.
The 31-year-old still has three years remaining on his Ibrox contract but some suggest the club couldn't afford to turn down upwards of £20million for his signature.
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