The Reds are huge admirers of the midfielder whose
contract expires this summer, although the Premier League champions
remain optimistic of agreeing a new deal
Liverpool are heading the queue to sign James Milner on a free transfer this summer if the Manchester City midfielder fails to agree a new contract at the Etihad Stadium.
The Reds are understood to have expressed a strong interest in Milner as the England international remains locked in negotiations over a new deal when his City contract expires at the end of the season.
Liverpool were rebuffed in an effort to sign Milner last summer and are ready to make a move if the opportunity presents itself, especially following the announcement that Steven Gerrard will leave Anfield this summer.
Milner is now officially allowed to speak to foreign clubs about a summer transfer but is believed to have no intention of leaving English football next season.
He is in talks with City over a new four-and-a-half year deal worth roughly €115,000 (£90,000) per week and could use Liverpool’s admiration to force a better offer from the Premier League champions.
The 29-year-old has played a key role for Manuel Pellegrini’s side this season and scored both goals in Sunday’s 2-1 victory over Sheffield Wednesday in the FA Cup third round.
Arsenal have also been linked with a move for Milner and City insiders believe the England international may be deliberately stalling in contract negotiations to keep his options open.
City are desperate for Milner to commit to the club and the player himself has insisted that he hopes to stay and is concentrating on the club’s title defence this season.
“I hope it will be sorted. We’re still in talks. I’m waiting for the club to come back and hopefully they will soon,” Milner said last month.
“But the main thing is to concentrate on football, there are so many games coming up.
“If I’m not doing my job on the field because of off-the-field stuff then that’s no good. So I let others take care of it and I just concentrate on football.”
Milner signed for City from Aston Villa in 2010 and has made 186 appearances for the club, scoring 14 goals.
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