Steven Gerrard nears massive appointment as Liverpool legend's Al Ettifaq future confirmed

Liverpool legend Steven Gerrard is set to make a significant appointment for Saudi Pro League side Al Ettifaq with the addition of Michael Beale, the highly-regarded former Reds coach who also worked with him at Rangers.

According to GiveMeSport, Gerrard, who has been under pressure with his team only four points above the relegation zone, is set to strengthen his coaching staff. The Scouser has come under fire from some supporters in the Middle East and there had been speculation that he was going to be fired.

But with Beale arriving, that would see the pair reunite again. The former QPR boss was let go by Sunderland in February and has since been out of work.

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Gerrard recently lost Al Ettifaq coach Dean Holden and sporting director Mark Allen but the suggestion is that he still retains the full backing of the club's board. Beale is said to be on track to be confirmed as a new addition before Gerrard and his team takes on Al-Riyadh this Sunday.

Although some fans booed Gerrard at full-time when Al Ettifaq lost to Al Qadsiah earlier in the month, others showed their support for him by holding up a "You'll Never Walk Alone" banner. There had been some talk that Gerrard could return to Rangers, where he won the Scottish Premiership before moving to Aston Villa.

Liverpool.com says: Gerrard being in Saudi Arabia is never going to feel normal. It does look as if it is going to continue for a bit longer, though, with the Liverpool legend making a really good appointment. If adding Beale to his staff doesn't work out, that will likely be the end. It's worked a treat in the past and a substantial improvement in results will be expected.