Steven Gerrard and his wife expecting their fourth child

Footballer Steven Gerrard is expanding his brood with wife Alex as they have announced they are expecting their fourth child.

The news was confirmed by Alex, who shared a picture of their three daughters looking at an ultrasound picture.

She tweeted: "We are all very excited for our new baby to arrive next year!! Number 4."

The model, 34, later thanked fans on the site for sending their "lovely messages" of congratulations.

LA Galaxy footballer Gerrard, 36, and his family currently split their time between America and the UK.

He previously played for Liverpool FC and was a member of the England squad until 2014.

He and Alex - who has written a number of columns and has previously launched her own fashion lines - married in 2007 after becoming an item in 2002.

They are parents to Lilly-Ella, 12, Lexie, 10, and four-year-old Lourdes.