Liverpool are plotting a summer move for Malaga midfielder Manuel Iturra, who will be a free agent at the end of the season.

The 28-year-old's contract is set to expire in June, and that has prompted the Reds to start talks over a possible move, according to the Sunday People.

Iturra might still remain at Malaga beyond this season, but has so far rejected all offers made by the Spanish club.

While Liverpool are well stocked in the midfield department with the likes of Lucas Leiva, Jordan Henderson and Joe Allen already in the squad, not to mention a certain Steven Gerrard, bringing in a solid player who will not cost a transfer fee might be considered as good business.

Meanwhile, Steven Gerrard admitted he knew about Jamie Carragher's plans to retire at the end of the season a little earlier than the others and had tried his hardest to convince the legend to continue for one more year.

"I've known a little bit longer than other people," Gerrard told the club's official website. "I've tried just as hard as everyone else to try to keep him going for a bit longer.

"But we have to respect his decision. He's had a fantastic career and he feels it's the right time to go out, at the end of the season.

"Hopefully there are still some big performances left in him before he goes.

"I could go on for a long time about him. People mention him alongside the likes of (Alan) Hansen and (Mark) Lawrenson, the best defenders that this club has ever had.

"For me, if he's not alongside them he's a little bit above them. That's the biggest compliment I can pay him.

"He's a wonderful player -- at his peak, for two or three seasons he was one of the best defenders in the world."

Gerrard said he respects Carragher's decision to call it a day, while admitting he would be sorely missed.

"He bounced a few things off me, but he's made the decision himself along with his family," the 32-year-old added.

"He's basically taken no notice of what I said because I was trying for him to push on for another year.

"At times this season it has been difficult for him, not being a regular starter -- because he has been a starter since he made his debut. I can respect and understand his decision. We're all going to come to that moment in our careers.

"It's sad for me -- I'm going to miss him more than anyone. It's going to be different for me, not having him alongside me as a vice-captain. It's tough.

"Everyone knows what we're going to miss on the playing side. Since I made my debut Jamie has been alongside me in the dressing room and been a close mate of mine.

"He has been through the journey with me as well. I've bounced a lot of things off him, highs and lows, and we've come through it all together.

"It's going to be different and no-one is going to miss Jamie more than me."