Blackpool: 'Steven Gerrard's fitness key to Jonjo Shelvey loan'

Blackpool's attempts to sign Liverpool midfielder Jonjo Shelvey on loan rest firmly on the fitness of Reds skipper Steven Gerrard, according to the Championship club's secretary Matt Williams.

Shelvey, 20, scored six goals in 10 games during his time at Blackpool earlier in the season, but returned to Liverpool following an injury to Lucas Leiva.

He has found his opportunities limited since his return, however, and has been linked with a move away from Anfield once more.

"We have been told that Liverpool won't let Jonjo out until Gerrard is completely fit. Jonjo wants to come to Blackpool and we want him here, and we will keep stalking Liverpool until we get him," Williams told the Blackpool Gazette.

"The physio at Anfield is a friend of mine and I will be sending him plenty of texts over the next week or so to check on Gerrard's fitness."

Shelvey joined Liverpool from Charlton in 2010.