Liverpool boss Brendan Rodgers insists he is relaxed about the possibility of captain Steven Gerrard holding talks to move overseas.
Gerrard is out of contract at the end of the season, and has yet to sign a new deal the club have offered him. That means he will be free to sign a pre-contract agreement with an overseas club from Thursday.
The 34-year-old is considering his options, telling the Daily Telegraph that he planned to continue playing next season -- but not necessarily at Anfield.
MLS club New York Red Bulls indicated on Dec. 13 that they were interested in signing Gerrard, who stepped down as England captain and retired from international football in July, following his country's World Cup group-stage exit.
Asked if he was concerned about the possibility of Gerrard holding talks with other clubs, Rodgers said: "No. I've got a great relationship and communication with Steven, so we understand the position exactly."
The manager believes that Gerrard's service to Liverpool, where he graduated through the youth ranks and has been a first-team player since 1998, has earned him the right to discuss his future with interested clubs overseas.
"I think Steven's earned that respect if he does," Rodgers said.
Rodgers has spoken of a need in recent weeks to rest Gerrard in order to ensure that he is fresh when called on, and the manager plans to continue with that policy.
The midfielder was an unused substitute on Monday as Liverpool secured a 4-1 Premier League win over Swansea to move up to eighth place.
But he will be restored to the starting line-up for Thursday's home game against Leicester.
"He comes straight back in," Rodgers said. "Steven's a wonderful player and a wonderful servant to this club, particularly during my time here. He's been brilliant for me. I've just got to manage his games.
"When I came in here, there was talk about whether he could play my type of football, whether his legs had gone. But he was arguably the player of the year last year.
"He's a player whose game time I'm managing. He understands my situation when it comes to picking the best team and keeping it fresh as often as we can. He missed out the other night, but he'll play tomorrow."