Liverpool are set to beat Arsenal to the signing of Manchester City midfielder James Milner, according to the Daily Star.
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The 29-year-old’s contract at the Etihad Stadium runs out at the end of the season, when he will become one of the most high-profile free agents on the market.
The England international could act as a replacement for Steven Gerrard in the middle of the park for the Reds, and is versatile enough to fill in on the wings, which may be particularly pertinent with Raheem Sterling potentially leaving the Merseyside club.
This will be a blow for the Gunners though, who are also looking to strengthen their squad in order to challenge Chelsea for the Premier League title next season. They had hoped that Milner – who is unhappy at a lack of game time with the Citizens – could be tempted south to help in this regard.
Considering that there will not be Champions League football at Anfield next season, the signing of Milner could be considered a coup for Brendan Rodgers’s side.
Former Leeds United and Newcastle United man Milner would offer the kind of experience-having played in Champions Leagues and the World Cup-which could help Liverpool return to the continental high table.