Liverpool have reportedly put a one-year contract on the table for veteran English midfielder James Milner, who Jurgen Klopp is keen on retaining.
According to a report by Italian outlet Calciomercato, James Milner could be poised to extend his stay at Liverpool. The veteran English midfielder is in the final six months of his current contract, but Jurgen Klopp is eager to keep hold of him, prompting the Reds to table a one-year extension.
James Milner has enjoyed a meteoric rise in fame and stature despite a modest start to his senior footballing career with Leeds United nearly two decades ago. The 36-year-old first rose to prominence following his permanent move to Aston Villa in 2008. Following a productive two-year stint with the Villans, Milner joined Manchester City in August 2010.
At Manchester City, the Englishman first got a taste of winning silverware regularly, and he has been a serial winner since then. But since joining Liverpool in July 2015, Milner has enjoyed the best phase of his career, winning four trophies while establishing himself as a utility man.
The veteran English midfielder has reprised roles in midfield, attack and defence, even excelling as a left-back throughout an entire season before Andrew Robertson became a household name for Liverpool fans. To date, Milner has turned out 275 times for Liverpool, chipping in with 26 goals and 44 assists along the way.
But rampant uncertainties have surrounded Milner’s future for some time, as he has entered the final six months of his Liverpool contract. The 36-year-old’s precarious situation at Liverpool has captured the attention of several Premier League clubs, including Aston Villa and Crystal Palace.
On top of that, the Reds have recently been linked with many midfielders, including Kalvin Phillips, suggesting they might be ready to move on from Milner. But it looks like Liverpool might extend Milner’s stint at Anfield, having tabled a one-year contract for the veteran English midfielder to consider.
Jurgen Klopp is keen on keeping hold of Milner, which is understandable, considering Harvey Elliott and Curtis Jones are still in their budding years. Milner’s presence could enable Liverpool to ease the young duo’s progress before the 36-year-old is ready to call it quits at Anfield. But it remains to be seen if the former Manchester City utility man will extend his stay at Liverpool.
