Gerrard cools title talk

Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard has calmed talk regarding Liverpool’s title chances, insisting that finishing in the top four remains the club’s target, Sky Sports understands.

The Reds have made an impressive start to the season, winning five of their seven league games to take them second in the division – behind Arsenal by virtue of goals scored.

Many believe that this year’s title races could be one of the most open in years, with Brendan Rodgers men well in with a chance of glory along with reigning champions Manchester United, last season’s runners up Manchester City, Chelsea, Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur.

However, Gerrard has revealed that the clubs aim is merely to secure qualification for next season’s Champions League.

The five time winners have been absent from Europe’s top competition since the 2009/10 campaign, and are keen to be involved next time around.

While the 33 year old has not ruled out the possibility of the league title returning to Anfield for the first time in over two decades, he has made clear that a top-four finish is the priority.

Elsewhere, winger Raheem Sterling has been drafted in to the England squad for tomorrow evening’s crucial World Cup qualifier at Wembley.

Roy Hodgson’s men will book their place at next summer’s World Cup finals in Brazil with three points while anything but victory will almost certainly see Ukraine – who play San Marino, leapfrog them into first place.