STEVEN GERRARD insists a shock move to Everton was never a possibility this summer after he was touted for a sensational return to Merseyside.

The Liverpool legend saw his name linked with the managerial vacancy at Goodison Park following Carlo Ancelotti's decision to leave England and rejoin Real Madrid.

Gerrard's former Anfield boss Rafa Benitez is the man that Everton have appointed as Ancelotti's successor and the Spaniard's switch has sparked debate south of the border.

But Gerrard isn't surprised to see one of his managerial mentors make the move to Merseyside as he continues to focus on his own future with Rangers in the coming months.

"Rafa wasn't born in the city, he's not a red through-and-through and he never played against Everton for 20 years and competed against them, so I think it's a very different situation [to mine]," Gerrard told ESPN.

"Rafa is his own man and will make his own professional decisions, so there's no surprise that he wanted to get back in the Premier League at a big club and have the opportunity to compete against all the top teams in the league, so I wasn't very shocked and surprised at all in all honesty.

"I was very shocked and surprised that my name was linked to the job. I don't know where it came from, whether it was paper talk or if there was any truth in it, I'm not sure. [Managing Everton] is never a possibility as far as I'm concerned."

Gerrard will go head-to-head with Ancelotti on Sunday as Rangers round off their preparations for the new campaign with a glamour friendly against Real Madrid.

And the Ibrox boss is eager to make the most of the opportunity to spend time in the presence of the legendary Italian coach as Rangers gear up for their Premiership title defence and return to the Champions League.

"I must admit, it was a surprise [when Carlo left Everton], but I'm not complaining," Gerrard said. "He was the manager at my big rivals and was doing a superb job -- he's one of the best managers in the world he has been for some time.

"I've experienced playing against him and it will be an absolute pleasure to share a touchline with him and to try and learn and tap into his knowledge if I get the opportunity because he is someone I have looked up to for a long time.

"I have watched a lot of footage of him as a player as well and what he has given to this sport is incredible. He's a winner as a player and a manager, so it will be a pleasure to have him at Ibrox."