Agbonlahor 'sure' about James Milner with three Liverpool exits now certain
Gabby Agbonlahor has backed Liverpool to hand veteran James Milner a new contract even if his involvement is limited next season.
The former Aston Villa striker, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, suggested continuity will be key for the Merseysiders as he expects Fabinho, Naby Keita and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain to depart this summer.
Sources told this site last week (19 March) that Reds boss Jurgen Klopp is pushing the club's board to offer Milner a new one-year deal, with his time at the club currently set to end in June.
Football Insider updated on Tuesday (21 March) to reveal that the veteran will need to take a pay cut on his current £60,000-a-week deal in order to remain at Anfield.
Milner's versatility remains an important asset for Liverpool and Klopp, with the three-time Premier League winner making 32 appearances across central midfield and full-back roles this season.
He has racked up over 600 top-flight games in total since his debut in 2002, as well as 61 caps for England.
Agbonlahor told Football Insider’s Ewan Kingsbury: “I think his experience and leadership is well worth having.
“Fabinho should go this summer, Keita will go, Oxlade-Chamberlain will go. So Liverpool will need a player like Milner, for sure.
“Players will come in, for sure, but you don’t know what injury problems they’ll have or whether they will settle in straight away.
“Milner is definitely one to keep around the squad. He won’t be moaning about not getting game time, he knows his role.
“I think if you’re Klopp you definitely give him a new deal. Not many have got more experience than him, and he can play in multiple positions if needed as well.”