James Milner is performing out of his skin at present for Liverpool, but his contract runs out at the end of the season.
Jurgen Klopp recruited Naby Keita and Fabinho at quite considerable expense this summer, but the Yorkshireman has so far kept the duo, especially the later, out of the team.
He will be 33 by the time his deal runs out though, which has prompted some to ask how long he can keep defying the hands of time at Anfield.
Combined with his first club Leeds United’s outstanding Championship campaign so far, some supporters have put two and two together and come up with an emotional summer return.
But how likely is it really that Milner will come back? We’ve had a look…
What’s the state of play?
Lots would have to happen
It is worth restating just how well Milner is playing right now. He is performing way beyond the level of Keita and Fabinho at the moment, to the extent that the Brazilian has barely played.
When Adam Lallana and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain return from injury, it is easy to see him being shunted down the pecking order. But neither of those things looks set to happen for a while yet; in Chamberlain’s case, it’ll be a long process.
He is Klopp’s vice-captain and the German will not want to lose such an influential and professional figure from his dressing room.
Then, Leeds need to get promoted. Yes, they’ve been exceptional so far this season, but there’s a long way to go before they can start promising to match a Champions League player’s wages.
Milner’s return is a tantalising prospect, but it looks a long way off at this stage.