Milner Linked With Move Away

Manchester City midfielder James Milner has been heavily linked with a move away from the club after being increasingly used as a substitute in recent seasons. Milner came to City in a £ 20 million deal from Aston Villa a few seasons ago. He was a first-team regular during the days of Mark Hughes, but Manuel Pellegrini has largely been using him as a substitute or as an impact player. This has led to rumours linking Milner with an exit. The likes of Liverpool are showing an interest in the 28-year-old, who has established himself as a first-team regular at international level.

Milner is a player who will provide a bit of everything in all areas of the pitch. He is also extremely versatile and is even capable of playing at right back. Due to his defence contribution, it would not be surprising to see Milner employed just to prevent opposition wingers. The arrival of Jesus Navas for £ 25 million last summer has limited the first-team opportunities for the former Newcastle man. Milner’s contract runs out next summer and there has been no sign that City want offered him a new deal. The player has reportedly accepted that a new offer may not come, but he is looking to fight for his place rather than leave the club.

The competition for places will be intense once again this season, as City have signed a couple of players in the transfer window. Even though they are not direct rivals, Milner will suffer from competitions from Samir Nasri. The French international may be used along with Jesus Navas as the wingers. Unlike Nasri, who is more of a midfielder, Milner is a proper wide man who will look to exploit spaces behind the back four in order to create chances at will.