Man City finally see sense over Liverpool and Arsenal target
Published:
News filtering through that Manchester City are offering James Milner a bumper wage deal to keep him at the Etihad should be welcomed by fans of the deposed champions.
The 29-year-old England international’s contract is due to expire in June leading to intense speculation Milner’s time as a City player is coming to an end.
However, his chief suitors, Liverpool and Arsenal, will be dealt a savage blow should Milner accept the new deal on the table worth £165k per week.
Given Milner’s contribution to a pair of Premier League titles and an FA Cup triumph since the takeover by Sheikh Mansour’s consortium, this 11th-hour push to keep hold of their man is certainly overdue, especially given his versatility and workrate.
The new restrictions placed on Premier League clubs to include home-grown players in their squads, only adds further importance to City keeping hold of the Englishman.
Milner is not always assured of a start for Manuel Pellegrini’s side, though he has made 18 in the league this season and appeared 14 more times off the bench, notching five times.
It’s this uncertainty of his place in the first XI which is thought to be at the heart of failed contract negotiations with his employers thus far.
For this reason, the offer of new terms still may not be enough to prevent Milner from walking out on the Citizens after five seasons in the north west.
Should Milner decide to pass up on this latest offer then it stands to reason Liverpool would be the benefactors.
The Reds are in dire need of quality options to come straight into the team after a stuttering campaign and Milner fits the bill perfectly.
There is also the added bonus that Milner would not have to up sticks given the proximity of the two cities.
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