Liverpool legend Steven Gerrard could be set to follow in the footsteps of England boss Gareth Southgate this summer after reports linking him to the manager's job at Turkish side Trabzonspor were quashed.
Gerrard has been out of work since being sacked by Aston Villa in October.
He has been linked with a number of surprise roles since then, including the managerial hotseat at French giants Paris Saint-Germain.
Advert
Last week, Turkish outlet Karar claimed that Gerrard had flown out to Turkey to speak to the interim president of reigning Super Lig champions Trabzonspor over the possibility of being their new manager.
But while the Liverpool icon has confirmed he was indeed in Turkey, it appears to have been nothing to do with Trabzonspor. Posting on his Instagram account, Gerrard stated he was in the country doing promotional work for Turkish Airlines, alongside AC Milan and Brazil legend Cafu.
However, while the door appears to be closed on a move to Turkey, he could still be presented with an opportunity in England.
Gerrard could be set for new role
According to the Daily Mail, the current England U21 boss, Lee Carsley, is set to consider his future in the role at the end of this summer's European Championships.
Advert
The former Everton and Derby midfielder, who made 40 appearances for the Republic of Ireland, was appointed as Adrian Boothroyd's replacement in 2021.
He previously managed the U20 side, and has won 10 of his 13 games in charge of the U21s to date.
It is claimed that he will 'contemplate' a return to club management. He formerly managed Manchester City's age groups, and had a brief two-month spell as caretaker boss at Brentford in 2015.
The Daily Mail report that three potential contenders to replace him are former England midfield trio Gerrard, Frank Lampard and Scott Parker, who was recently sacked by Belgian giants Club Brugge.
Advert
Both Gerrard and Lampard have previously been linked as possible replacements for Southgate when he leaves the senior England role.
The former Middlesbrough defender took charge of the U21s before becoming the senior manager, meaning Gerrard would be following in Southgate's footsteps were he to be appointed.
As an ex-international player, Gerrard could be offered a way back into management through the Three Lions setup - and could even earn himself a chance at the senior role if he were to impress.
Topics: Liverpool, Steven Gerrard, Gareth Southgate, England, Frank Lampard, Scott Parker
Ryan Smart