Reports this week have claimed that Leeds United cannot be ruled out in a move to sign Liverpool veteran James Milner at the end of the season when his deal ends – and Sam Allardyce is a big fan of the “fantastic professional”.
Milner, 37, has still clocked up a huge 41 outings for the Reds – in a number of positions. He is set to leave Anfield after eight years, in which he has played 330 times. He is third in the list of all-time Premier League appearances.
Just 15 behind Ryan Giggs, and 35 behind record-holder Gareth Barry. That number could be reduced by the end of the campaign and if he joins another Premier League side, you would expect he has a chance of doing it next term.
The Mail report that Brighton, who have been strongly linked with Milner, are the favourites to get him. But it is said that Leeds should not be ruled out, in bringing the Leeds academy product back. Allardyce is a massive fan of his.
“James Milner has proven over the years that he’s a fantastic professional with the contributions he makes for his team,” Allardyce told talkSPORT, after Milner had completed a move to Liverpool from Manchester City on a free.
“One of the key elements is that he rarely gets injured these days and it’s a massive bonus for a player if he’s skilful, if he’s reliable and if he’s talented and experienced, but also there week in and week out,” Allardyce added, on him.
Leeds could sign Milner: Allardyce a big fan of fantastic professional
What a signing Milner would be. Premier League safety would have to be paramount. To get the versatile veteran in at Elland Road would be a huge improvement on many of our current midfield options – who’ve struggled this term.
Surely, you would have Milner – even at 37 – over the likes of Marc Roca and Weston McKennie. Possibly even Adam Forshaw, and it might even be that with Forshaw’s deal ending in June – like Milner’s – that Milner is his replacement.
If Milner is available and all parties are keen to get a deal done, then Leeds really should go for it. It would delight fans and let’s be honest, the 61-time England star is fit enough for at least two more seasons in the Premier League.
