STEVEN GERRARD leaving Rangers for Newcastle could sabotage his Liverpool ambitions. 

Thats according to former Celtic manager John Barnes.

The Light Blues boss has been constantly linked with the vacant post since the Saudi state completed their takeover of the club, spelling the end to Mike Ashley's 14-year reign.

Steve Bruce has since departed the Geordie club, with Graeme Jones taking interim charge. 

And while a move to the mega rich Premier League side would seem appealing to many managers, Barnes reckons Gerrard may want to steer clear because of his future ambitions to return to his boyhood club.

He told Bonus Codes Bets: "Ultimately, Steven Gerrard might want to go to Liverpool but I don’t think he’ll do that if he moves to Newacastle.

"Is that going to be the best move if he harbours ambitions to manage Liverpool? Or does he want to go to a club that will give him the possibility to fulfill his ambitions and be a top manager and to win the league?

"The expectations have to be tempered for any manager going there now.

"If Newcastle finish 15th, and they probably will be around 15th this season, then what does that mean? It has to be a long-term plan.

"They might want a more proven manager in terms of European experience.

"Newcastle fans have to be realistic with this season and the priority is to stay up, whether it’s Steven Gerrard, Paulo Fonseca or Antonio Conte."