Danny Murphy explains why Newcastle United and Celtic fans shouldn’t get their hopes up about Steven Gerrard

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Gerrard has been linked with moves to Newcastle United and Glasgow Celtic in the New Year.

Talksport pundit Danny Murphy has explained why Newcastle United and Celtic fans should not get their hopes up regarding the potential signing of Steven Gerrard.

Gerrard announced his departure from Los Angeles Galaxy this week, and has been tipped to reunite with former Liverpool bosses Brendan Rodgers and Rafa Benitez at Celtic and Newcastle respectively.

But Murphy, who was sold by Benitez at Liverpool, believes the Magpies would have to ‘really roll out the red carpet’ to lure his former Anfield teammate to Tyneside.

Asked if the move could happen, the 39-year-old told Thursday’s Jim White show: “I very much doubt that.

“How am I going to put it? I don’t think many players particularly had great relationships with Rafa. He was quite (a) tyrant really. He managed in a certain way, it was his way or the highway.

“When Rafa said he’d rather have the money than Stevie when Chelsea first came in for him, that didn’t start them off on the best relationship. He had respect for Rafa, obviously because he was good at what he did, but I don’t think they were bosom buddies.

“I can’t see that unless Newcastle really roll out the red carpet. I don’t think he’d want to work under that regime again.”

One would think that, if what Murphy says is true, then Celtic’s chances of landing Gerrard must have increased.

However, the former Tottenham Hotspur and Fulham midfielder was quick to shut down that link as well.

“It’s not going to happen, not with Brendan in charge,” he added.

“It didn’t end very well for Stevie at Liverpool. He wanted to stay, he wanted a two-year deal, and it wasn’t forthcoming for lots of reasons. I don’t think that is going to happen.”

Both clubs are currently flying high in their respective divisions – with Celtic already 10 points clear in the Scottish Premiership title race and Newcastle holding a three-point advantage in the Championship – suggesting neither will be too disappointed if they fail to sign Gerrard.