Liverpool transfer news: Pundit warns James Milner could join rivals after Romano update
Frank McAvennie insists Liverpool are doing the right thing by reportedly opening talks with James Milner over a new contract.
That’s according to former West Ham hitman Frank McAvennie, speaking exclusively to Football Insider about the veteran midfielder’s future.
As reported by Sky Sports (15 February), Jurgen Klopp wants to keep Milner, 36, at Liverpool and has said there is “no chance” of the midfielder retiring at the end of the season.
According to Fabrizio Romano (15 February), the Anfield club have offered the three-time Premier League winner a one-year contract extension.
Milner’s current deal is set to expire at the end of the season and McAvennie claims he could join another Premier League club if Liverpool were to let him go.
“I would be giving him another year, keep him around the club,” McAvennie told Football Insider correspondent Ben Wild.
“He’s not going to be a first-choice player but he can come on and he will always do well.
“The guy can play anywhere, he is such a brilliant player to have available.
“He won’t let Klopp down, that’s the big thing. I think Klopp likes to reward these players who have served him so well.
“I imagine he’s a popular boy and clearly he can still do a job.
“So in one sense, it is better for Liverpool to have him because if he left on a free you know he could join another Premier League club.
“I don’t know if he would want to but he could definitely find someone to take him.”
Milner made his 800th career appearance as Liverpool beat Inter Milan 2-0 on Wednesday (16 February).
275 of these appearances came in a Liverpool shirt.
In other news, pundit predicts Liverpool planning for life without Mohamed Salah after source’s contract update.