LONDON - Manuel Pellegrini is keen to sign Steven Gerrard if the England midfielder is available.

The veteran Liverpool captain will be out of contract next summer and made it clear earlier last week that he has no intention of hanging up his boots even if an agreement is not reached over a new Anfield deal.

Pellegrini was asked if he would welcome English midfielder Gerrard, 34, into the Manchester City ranks next season in that case, following the success of the 36-year-old Frank Lampard's switch to the Etihad Stadium.

And the Chilean manager said he has no doubts that Gerrard can continue to play at the highest level, reported the British media on Sunday.

"I don't ever rate players on their age. It depends on the money they cost and the number of years they can play for," Pellegrini said.

"Like Frank Lampard, Steven Gerrard is a top player and he can continue at a high level for a couple more years."