Inter Milan’s reported £25million bid for Steven Gerrard might have been rejected by Liverpool, but the Italian giants have made the Reds skipper their ‘top priority’ for the next season as speculation suggests that former Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho will be in charge of the Serie A defending champions.

Mourinho is a big admirer of the commanding England midfielder, and had tried to lure the 27-year-old to Stamford Bridge after taking charge of the Blues in 2004.

An Inter official told The Sun: "We need to make a big signing for next season and Gerrard was at the top of our thoughts.

"Liverpool gave us the most empahtic response he was not for sale. We have drawn up a list of alternatives, but if Liverpool decide to sell, Gerrard is our top priority."