England midfielder Steven Gerrard feels Liverpool boss Rafael Benitez wants to sell him to fund his Anfield revolution, according to reports.

The Reds finished their season on a high note thanks to their dramatic Champions League victory over AC Milan in Istanbul.

But Benitez's troops were a huge disappointment in their league campaign, finishing fifth and a massive 37 points behind champions Chelsea and 25 behind second-placed Arsenal.

Reds skipper Gerrard admitted immediately after Liverpool's night of European glory that he wanted to sign a new contract at Anfield.

But talks have so far gone nowhere and are believed to be at breaking point, with both Real Madrid and Chelsea waiting in the wings with a £30m bid.

Benitez knows he has a natural successor to Gerrard's role in the classy Xabi Alonso - and could use the money from the 25-year-old's sale to make sweeping changes to his playing staff.

The Spaniard won the La Liga title with Valencia before moving to Merseyside - and is prepared to show a ruthless streak in order to put his side back on the map as a Premiership force.

I have this strong feeling Gerrard will be a Madridista next season