Manchester City could be set to lose midfielder James Milner from their ranks, as he’s not signed a new deal and it runs out in the summer.

For me, well I think the England internationalist could be an ideal signing for Liverpool. Interest in the City star from Anfield is said to be very serious, but he is also reportedly attracting the likes of Inter Milan and Arsenal.

The twenty-nine year old is still wanted by his current employers but Milner must be wondering if it’s more down to the fact he’s a homegrown player rather than due to his talents as to the reason why City want to keep him.

Although he’s seen plenty of time on the field during his five season stay at the Etihad, he’s often been seen coming off the bench and doesn’t seem to get a regular run in the starting line-up.

Manuel Pellegrini is clearly a big fan, the Chilean said this about James this season…

“Milner’s a phenomenon, a guy with big balls and a heart this big,” 

“Intelligent, great mentality, one of those players that when you leave him out you’re left with this feeling of injustice; it hurts because he should always play but sometimes you need a technical player with other characteristics.”

Yet although the main part of Pellegrini’s quotes are laced with compliments, the last line will sting Milner. He’s generally seen as a good guy and a very handy squad player. That kind of sums up his time at Manchester City.

In those five seasons with the ‘Sky Blues’, Milner has won two Premier League titles, an FA Cup and a League Cup.

But I get the feeling that James Milner now feels the time is right for a change in scenery and that he needs to be considered an integral first-team player, not just seen as the ideal squad talent who can be sacrificed at any time.

A move from Manchester to Liverpool, could just be the ticket for Leeds native.

With Liverpool’s talismanic captain Steven Gerrard ready to wave bon voyage in the summer to head Stateside, a vacancy for an experienced midfielder has come up at Anfield.

Milner would fit the bill. He has an amazing engine and will run all day for his teams cause. He also has that winning mentality and experience that Brendan Rodgers will be craving for as he looks to fill the void that Gerrard will leave.

At Anfield, Milner and his hard-working traits would be welcomed by the Reds manager Rodgers, whereas its been somewhat overlooked at City. Brendan has shown throughout his managerial career that he likes graft and energy from his charges and that he’s more than happy to have a British nucleus run through his teams.

James would also receive more starts at Liverpool, where his versatility and commitment to the cause would be embraced. His warrior like attributes and dogged style approach would also be cherished by the clubs supporters, especially if he can lead them towards glory again.

Going back to the versatile side of his game; like Raheem Sterling, Adam Lallana and Jordan Henderson (all English teammates) Milner can play in a variety of positions. He can easily play centrally in midfield, he can be used wide, operated behind the frontman and has also popped up as a full-back on one or two occasions.

His battling style also lends itself well to Rodgers’ constant pressing game plan. The fact Milner is often the player who covers the most distance on the pitch when he starts, is just another plus point for Liverpool.

His character, determination and willingness to do everything for the team are all mannerisms that both Brendan Rodgers and the Liverpool fans adore.

I just can’t see any negatives in Liverpool pushing for the signing of James Milner! He really could be the best free transfer going this summer and the player that takes Liverpool back amongst the big boys next term.

Posted on April 13th, 2015 by scott
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