STEVEN GERRARD won’t discuss Bruno Alves’ Rangers future until the Portuguese has learned his World Cup fate this summer.

The 36-year-old is part of Fernando Santos’ side for the finals in Russia as the defending European Champions look to clinch their first World crown.

Alves endured a mixed campaign during his first season at Ibrox and he made just 25 appearances for the Light Blues following his summer switch from Cagliari.

Boss Gerrard has already added central defenders Connor Goldson and Nikola Katic to his ranks this month and both have been part of the squad at their training camp in Spain.

Alves’ future is unclear at present and the former Porto, Zenit and Fenerbahce star could find himself surplus to requirements ahead of the big kick-off despite still having 12 months to run on his contract.

And Gerrard will hold off having a conversation with the stopper until after he has completed his national service in the coming weeks.

He said: “I haven’t spoken to Bruno yet. I have given him the respect he deserves and he has got very important things to focus on right now in terms of the World Cup and that should be his priority.

“I don’t think I should be phoning him and having a conversation on his domestic career just yet. There will be a time for it.

“He will have a break after Portugal either win the tournament or get knocked out and then I will have a conversation with Bruno and talk to him.

“I didn’t want to go in and speak to him or try and get contact with him while he has got important things to focus on.”