Gerrard fires Kop warning

Gerrard: Has carried the team on his own at times

Steven Gerrard has repeated his demand that Liverpool sign at least three world-class players over the summer.

The Anfield captain has been so disappointed by the team's failure to match his own progress that he has, at the very least, considered the advances of Chelsea.

But his interest is understood to have cooled after Liverpool squeezed into the final Champions League position and he received reassurances about the club's ambitions. With manager Gerard Houllier's future increasingly in doubt - speculation mounted today that his reign will not last beyond the weekend - Gerrard says the board must act.

"If I come back (from Euro 2004) and there are only one or two new faces here, then I don't think that will be good enough," said Gerrard. "I've been promised this won't be the case, though, so I'm optimistic for the future."

Chelsea are said to be ready with an offer of up to £50million for Gerrard, who has been in outstanding form this season.

It is reported today that Houllier could be sacked within the next week with Martin O'Neill and Alan Curbishley the possible replacements.

The Liverpool manager insisted last night that he is "carrying on as normal," despite a lack of public support from the club's board.

He said: "I have been holding meetings with staff preparing for next season. I have been discussing contracts and other matters."

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