Madrid, Jan 3 (IANS): Former Manchester United manager David Moyes has told Steven Gerrard he would be welcome at Real Sociedad next season if the outgoing Liverpool midfielder fancies a La Liga swansong.

"He has had a great career for his club and for England and he will be very difficult to replace. If he ever wanted to come to play in Spain he knows he can phone me," Moyes was quoted as saying by dailymail.co.uk.

Gerrard almost joined Real Madrid in 2005 and Real Sociedad - the first club of former Liverpool teammate Xabi Alonso - would certainly welcome the former England captain who looks destined for LA Galaxy when the season ends.

Moyes' praise for Gerrard came as he spoke ahead of Sunday's meeting with Barcelona as La Liga resumes after the mid-winter break.

He admitted enjoying his first free festive period in over a quarter of a decade but also said he had spent the time in England looking for loan signings.

"It was nice to have Christmas dinner with my family. That is not always possible as a Premier League manager. I have not had a Christmas off for what must be 25 years," the former Everton manager said.

"But I also went to games and I spoke to a lot of football people back home and asked a lot of questions about players and availability."