Former Liverpool and England midfielder Steven Gerrard has held early discussions with League One club MK Dons over their vacant manager position, a source has told ESPN FC.
Gerrard confirmed earlier this week that he was leaving MLS outfit LA Galaxy upon the expiration of his contract next month and said he has "options on and off the pitch" regarding the next move of his career.
Talks between Gerrard and MK Dons were at a "very early" stage, according to the source said, who added that the 36-year-old was one of a number of people on a shortlist to replace Karl Robinson as manager.
Sources told ESPN FC earlier on Thursday that former Chelsea midfielder Frank Lampard ruled out the possibility of taking over the role at the Stadium:mk.
MK Dons would be an attractive proposition for Gerrard to begin his coaching career, with Robinson and Roberto di Matteo both holding their first managerial positions at the club.
Meanwhile, Gerrard has continued to be linked with a return to his boyhood Liverpool in some capacity.
The Reds insist that there is a role for the Huyton-born midfielder at the club, with manager Jurgen Klopp publicly telling reporters last month that he is "always welcome" at Liverpool.
"Steven Gerrard is always so welcome at Liverpool FC," Klopp said. "You cannot imagine how welcome -- absolutely no problem.
"Everything what we have already, or will, talk to each other [about] stays in this talk and stays in this situation. That's how I know Stevie and that's how I am.
"But nobody should be worried about that we have no space for Steven Gerrard. Everything will be fine, 100 percent."