Former Liverpool midfielder Jimmy Case believes that the prospect of Steven Gerrard leaving Merseyside is a normal situation because of the star's age.

The 34-year-old, who has been part of the club since the age of nine, suggested this week that he is open to leaving Anfield should they decide against offering him a new contract.

While Gerrard's comments may come as a shock to fans, Case believes that at the midfielder's age, it is normal to be playing on a year-to-year contract basis.

"He is just putting it out there that he intends to carry on regardless of whether that is with Liverpool," Case told BBC Radio 5 live.

"I think it is the same with all clubs, when it comes to a certain point in a player's age, the sticking point is if he will be able to carry on in the same vein."

Gerrard has won every major club trophy with the Reds apart from the Premier League title.