Manchester United will attempt to hijack our move for Manchester City midfielder James Milner, according to reports from the Daily Mirror.
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The Mirror’s story states that Liverpool were leading the race for the England international and were thought to be closing in on completing the deal, despite a last ditch contract offer worth £160,000-per-week from City.
However, the uncertainty surrounding the position of manager Brendan Rodgers (also, via the Mirror), has led to the player having second thoughts over his previously guaranteed move to Merseyside.
According to the Manchester Evening News, Milner is hoping to stay in the north west of England, where his family are based. That has seemingly ruled out the possibility of a move to fellow suitors Arsenal, but the prospect of a move across Manchester does not carry those same problems.
What will hopefully work in our favour is Milner’s desire to play first-team football in his favoured central midfield position, another fact stated by the Manchester Evening News. The 29-year-old is far more likely to get that at Anfield, especially following the departure of Steven Gerrard, who is joining LA Galaxy.
Nonetheless, with the Mirror suggesting that United’s transfer negotiator – Ed Woodward – has made an inquiry with Milner’s advisors, we’d do well to move quickly if we want to wrap up this deal next month.