Can Fabian Delph step into Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard’s shoes?

Liverpool, 5/1 for a top four finish with Coral, may have their problems in the present but also appear to be planning for the future — one without skipper Steven Gerrard.

The Reds captain’s contract expires next summer and, with no news of a new deal and persistent rumours of a move to the MLS, Liverpool are said to be in the market for a replacement.

Gerrard has made over 660 appearances for his boyhood club, scoring 171 goals and providing 100 assists along the way, as well as leading Liverpool to a fifth Champions League trophy. These stats don’t even begin to cover how influential the 34-year-old has been, however.

Brendan Rodgers has used Gerrard sparingly this season but, should he depart, the Reds will need a new leader in the middle of the park.

The Anfield outfit already have exciting attacking playmakers like Raheem Sterling and Philippe Coutinho in their ranks, so with Gerrard now operating in a deeper role, Liverpool are supposedly looking for a more defensive-minded recruit.

Reports suggest the Premier League giants are interested in acquiring the services of Aston Villa’s Fabian Delph. The four-capped England star was making waves with his tenacious performances this term, before being sidelined by a dislocated shoulder.

Now fit again, the Villans’ 2014 Player of the Year could potentially be tasked with stepping into Gerrard’s shoes for both club and country, but does the 25-year-old have what it takes to pick up the mantle?

Liverpool already have Jordan Henderson and Lucas Leiva to provide hustle and bustle in midfield and could perhaps do with a player who can create and dictate from deep, or a box-to-box all-rounder who can burst forward ala Gerrard in his pomp.

Leeds academy product Delph did start his footballing career as an attacking midfielder, with his pace and skill attracting much attention from Premier League big boys.

It was Villa who eventually stumped up the cash for the then highly-rated starlet, but after initial struggles to adapt to the top tier, Delph was also shifted to a deeper position, a role he now thrives in .