Manchester City are refusing to give up on the prospect of convincing James Milner to sign a new contract. The England international’s current deal expires next month and Liverpool are thought to be the favourites for his signature.
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Liverpool transfer news
However, the City hierarchy reportedly believe that they can still keep hold of the midfielder with a mega-money offer. According to the Manchester Evening News, Manuel Pellegrini’s side are preparing a £165,000-a-week package to try and convince Milner to stay, something that we simply wouldn’t be able to match.
Pellegrini has been in no mood to give anything away. Milner, 29, has been one of his stand-out players over the last year, playing 45 times in all competitions and scoring eight goals.
“James is in charge to say when he will make his decision,” said the Chilean earlier this month. “That is when he finishes his contract with our club, which is the end of June.”
The report continues to admit that Milner is unlikely to be lured in by the prospect of more money. He wants to play regular first-team football in his favoured central midfield position – something that we can definitely offer him following the departure of Steven Gerrard.
And with Milner also hoping to stay in the north west of England, where his family are based, the Reds should hold an advantage over rival suitors Arsenal, who the report claims are also eyeing a deal for the former Aston Villa man.
Hopefully, if Milner was going to commit to City, he would have done it by now. For now, this deal looks like it’s still going to happen in our favour. So are we excited about it Reds?