James Milner has agreed personal terms with Liverpool and will join Brendan Rodgers' side on a free transfer when his contract expires at Manchester City next month.
The 29-year-old has been a target of the Liverpool manager since last summer, when he initially refused City’s offer of a contract extension worth up to £165,000 a week, and has agreed in principle to move to Merseyside despite Manuel Pellegrini’s desire to keep him at the Etihad Stadium plus interest from Arsenal. Milner will officially become a Liverpool player on 1 July.
In a statement, Liverpool confirmed: “Liverpool Football Club are delighted to announce they have agreed a deal to sign Manchester City’s James Milner, subject to a medical.
"The Reds have agreed personal terms with the England international, who will join the club on a free transfer on 1 July after his contract at the Etihad Stadium has expired."
Milner’s contract at Anfield is believed to be less than he would have earned had he stayed with City, around £150,000 a week, but the lure of a more regular role with Liverpool – and in his preferred central midfield position – was a key factor in his decision. Remaining in the north-west where the England international is settled with his family was also an influence.
The signing represents an important early step in Rodgers’ summer rebuilding plans with the Liverpool manager, given the green light to continue his reign into a fourth season this week by Fenway Sports Group, the club’s owner, wanting more experience and established Premier League players in his side.
(Guardian service)
