London - Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard has committed his future to the Premier League club by agreeing to extend his contract for a further two years until 2013.

Liverpool said on their website on Friday that the 28-year-old is expected to sign the deal "soon."

The agreement is a major boost for the club, who are chasing league and Champions League honours this year.

The news comes hot on the heels of the new five-year deal signed by manager Rafael Benitez last month.

The manager was understandably delighted about Gerrard, speaking of "fantastic news for the club.

"Steven has once again shown his commitment and it was an easy deal to agree. As soon as we offered him the option he said yes. There were no problems at all. He wants to stay for life.

"This deal sends out another clear message that we are moving forward as a club. To know we have a player of Steven's quality with us for many more years is a great boost for the club and the fans. I still think his best years are ahead of him."

Gerrard is Liverpool's leading scorer this season with 22 goals in all competitions.

Liverpool trail league leaders Manchester United (who have a game in hand) by one point. They meet English rivals Chelsea in the upcoming Champions League quarter-finals. (dpa)