London, Oct 24 Midfielder Steven Gerrard has emerged as Real Madrid's top target for next summer with club president Florentino Perez all set to launch an audacious 30 million pounds bid for the Liverpool skipper.

"It's no secret Gerrard is a player Perez and technical director Jorge Valdano admire. There is a shortlist for next season and Gerrard is the first name on it," a top Madrid source said.

The news will worry Kop fans ahead of titanic clash with archrivals Manchester United. And it is certain to pile on the misery for under-fire boss Rafa Benitez, whose side have lost four games on the trot.

Perez has already raided Benitez's team by grabbing midfielder Xabi Alonso in a 28.8 million pounds switch.

Perez put out feelers for Gerrard in January even before he returned as Real Madrid president to see if he would be prepared to sign for Madrid.

Gerrard then dismissed any talk of leaving Anfield, with Liverpool involved in a tight title race with United. Yet the club's reversal of fortunes could now affect the captain's thinking.

Liverpool's demise this season means another year of frustration for Gerrard, 29, who is desperate to lead his beloved club to Premier League glory and end their 20-year title draught. (ANI)