Steven Gerrard has disclosed how two players who have since established themselves in the Premier League caught his eye during his time at Rangers, prompting an immediate attempt to bring them to Ibrox.

The former Rangers manager was so impressed by Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall and Harvey Barnes after watching them in a behind-closed-doors fixture against Leicester City that he asked the club's then director of football, Mark Allen, to investigate the possibility of securing both on loan.

There was, however, a significant obstacle to any potential deal. Leicester were managed by Brendan Rodgers, Gerrard's former Liverpool boss and the man who had previously overseen part of the midfielder's career at Anfield.

Gerrard recalled the episode while discussing Dewsbury-Hall's performances for Everton and the impact David Moyes has had on the midfielder, whose career has continued to flourish since leaving Leicester.

The opportunity to recruit the pair came during an international break, when the Ibrox side arranged a closed-doors friendly against the Foxes to provide valuable game time for those who had remained at their respective clubs.

It proved an eye-opening exercise for Gerrard, who quickly identified two young talents he felt could make a difference to his Rangers squad.

Speaking on The Overlap Daily, he said: “I tried to sign him on loan when he was at Leicester. We played their Under-21s in an international break with Rangers to give minutes to the lads that had stayed behind.

“We played them and I'm watching the game thinking, 'Who's he, and who's he?' I go through the team sheet and it's Harvey Barnes and Dewsbury-Hall. As soon as the game finishes, I ask Mark Allen if he can get those two on loan. Do whatever you can.”

Why Brendan Rodgers connection proved problematic

Gerrard's enthusiasm was not enough to get the transfers over the line, with Rodgers' position at the King Power Stadium proving decisive.

The pair had previously shared a close working relationship on Merseyside, where Rodgers managed Gerrard during the closing stages of his illustrious playing career. The Gers boss was therefore well aware of the connection between his former manager and the Leicester youngsters he was hoping to recruit.

“Unfortunately, Brendan Rodgers was the manager, so yeah, that was probably why [Rangers didn't get them].”

Neither loan move materialised, but both players have since gone on to establish themselves in English football's top flight. Barnes is now thriving at Newcastle United, while Dewsbury-Hall has continued his progression at Everton, where Moyes has helped bring out his qualities in midfield.