Liverpool legend Steven Gerrard has been linked with a sensational return to management in England with Carlisle United, just days after leaving Saudi Arabian side Al-Ettifaq.

That's according to the Daily Mail who claims that the Reds icon is being considered as a replacement for the vacant managerial position after parting ways with former Newcastle United defender Mike Williamson.

The former Magpies defender took charge of the struggling Cumbrians a day after the summer transfer window had closed, replacing Paul Simpson who had signed 12 players before the summer deadline. Despite winning his first game in charge, it's been a torrid spell for the former Gateshead FC boss, who leaves Carlisle five points adrift of safety, having signed another 12 players in the current transfer window.

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Carlisle's ambitious American owners have raised the unlikely prospect of luring Gerrard to Brunton Park, in a desperate bid to secure their EFL status, according to the report. Gerrard, who previously took charge of Aston Villa and Rangers, is out of work having left the Saudi Arabian Pro League side last week after an 18-month spell.

The former Liverpool midfielder guided his side to sixth place in the table during his first season, before leaving the club by mutual consent, with Al-Etiffaq not one of those to benefit from government funding.

However, former Bolton Wanderers boss Ian Evatt is the current bookmakers favourite to land the Carlisle role, having left the Trotters last month. The League Two basement boys are yet to reveal whether Williamson's backroom staff have also left the club, with Ian Watson - former Gateshead assistant manager - part of his team in Cumbria.