But there was one rather awkward problem standing between the former Gers boss and a potentially spectacular double swoop: Brendan Rodgers.

Gerrard was discussing the impressive form of Everton midfielder Dewsbury-Hall and how David Moyes has managed to get the best out of the former Leicester City man.

And it prompted the Liverpool legend to recall the first time Dewsbury-Hall really caught his attention.

It came while Gerrard was Rangers manager, when the Light Blues arranged a behind-closed-doors game against Leicester City during an international break to give minutes to players who had remained behind.

Dewsbury-Hall wasn't the only Foxes youngster who stood out. Barnes, now at Newcastle United, also made such an impression that Gerrard immediately wanted Rangers to explore whether they could land both players on loan.

However, Rodgers was Leicester boss at the time. The former Celtic manager had previously worked with Gerrard at Liverpool, with the midfielder's glittering Anfield career drawing to a close during the Irishman's spell in charge.

And Gerrard has now cheekily suggested that history might not exactly have helped Rangers' chances.

Speaking on The Overlap Daily, Gerrard said: "I tried to sign him on loan when he was at Leicester.

"We played their Under-21s in an international break with Rangers to give minutes to the lads that had stayed behind.

"We played them and I'm watching the game thinking, 'who's he, and who's he?' I go through the team sheet and it's Harvey Barnes and Dewsbury-Hall.

"As soon as the game finishes, I ask Mark Allen if he can get those two on loan. Do whatever you can.

"Unfortunately, Brendan Rodgers was the manager, so yeah that was probably why [Rangers didn't get them]."

The deals never materialised and both players have since gone on to establish themselves in the Premier League.

Barnes is now at Newcastle United, while Dewsbury-Hall is starring for Everton.