Steven Gerrard hints at LA Galaxy exit - but where will he go next?

Gerrard, whose future is uncertain following Galaxy's MLS play-off defeat last week, posted a picture of himself on Instagram with Los Angeles in the background.

And an emotional caption said: "Special place, incredible view, I will miss you LA. #lalaland."

Gerrard, 36, has been playing in America for the last 18 months following his exit from boyhood club Liverpool and speculation over his future has been rife since Galaxy's penalty shootout defeat to Colorado Rapids.

The American club are hoping that he will stay in California for another season while there were reports earlier this week that he was planning his retirement.

He has also been linked with a return to the UK, with Celtic and Newcastle reportedly interested in him, while a homecoming to Anfield has also been heavily mooted.

Gerrard has made 19 appearances for Galaxy, scoring three goals and looks certain to be leaving the StubHub Center.

Scottish champions Celtic are favourites to sign Gerrard because of his obvious ties to former Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers. It is debatable whether or not he is the right fit for the Glasgow club where an emphasis has been placed firmly on recruiting younger players with resale value. He has also previously said he will not return to Europe, but such statements are rarely set in stone.

He would have to take a massive wage cut to join Celtic, but it did not prevent Roy Keane making the move to Glasgow late in his career after he departed Manchester United.

A possible coaching path under Rodgers could be one way he might join Celtic while he has also been linked with a return to Liverpool in January. It would be fascinating if Gerrard returns to Anfield in January with Jurgen Klopp's side leading the Premier League. Sounds unlikely yet Klopp is an admirer of the midfielder.

He could opt to further enhance his bank account by moving to China, but a move to represent Newcastle in the Championship seems unlikely. He has also stated that he would not be keen to face Liverpool in the Premier League. A move to Celtic or somewhere else in Europe would seem plausible with Paris Saint-Germain also apparently interested. They enjoyed a similar relationship with David Beckham in the death throes of his career, and would not be averse to Gerrard on the financial sense of such an agreement.

Of course, there is also the possibility he could opt to retire to focus on a career on coaching or punditry, but there are suggesions he will extend his playing career at least for another season.