Liverpool Transfer News: James Milner Named No. 1 Reds Target in Fresh Rumours

James Milner has emerged as Liverpool’s primary transfer target, with reports suggesting that the Reds are in the driving seat to sign the England international on a free transfer come the end of the season.

The Manchester City man’s contract is up in the summer and, according to Oliver Kay of The Times (subscription required), Brendan Rodgers has already begun planning for life without Steven Gerrard by making a move for the 29-year-old.

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Matt Hughes of The Times thinks that while Milner may not be a direct replacement for the club’s legendary skipper, he’d be an astute acquisition nonetheless:

Indeed, while Rodgers is clearly doing his utmost to build a vibrant young squad, the experience Gerrard brings to this team will be tough to replace. With that in mind, Milner’s two Premier League wins with City means he’s a player who'd bring a refined winning mentality to Anfield as well as his much-heralded versatility and diligence.

He’s proven his worth for a makeshift striker as of late too, as we can see here:

To brand the former Aston Villa man an adaptable grafter would be harsh, though. During his time with Villa Milner blossomed as an effervescent central-midfield player and he certainly has class to match his admirable work ethic.

With that in mind, it’s difficult to see why City are willing to let him go. In fact, according to Simon Jones of the Daily Mail, the player is close to a new deal with the champions despite the interest from Merseyside.

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But you suspect Milner will relish the opportunity to join a club where he’s more than a stop-gap. With Gerrard gone there’ll be a positional void to fill in midfield and he’s a multi-faceted player who would do an excellent job at the heart of Liverpool’s team.

Rodgers clearly rates him too, per ESPN FC:

He’s not a name who will sate those Reds supporters who are hoping for the club to pursue big-name targets mid-season however, as we can see here courtesy of football writer and Liverpool supporter John Ritchie:

Xherdan Shaqiri is a name that may do more to quench those lofty desires, but he’s a player who looks set to elude Liverpool’s clutches in January.

As noted by Matthew Amalfitano of GianlucaDiMarzio.com, Internazionale representatives will fly to Germany to conclude a loan deal with Bayern Munich for the midfielder, which includes a mandatory €13 million buy-out clause for the summer.

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Shaqiri has seemingly been linked with the Reds in perpetuity, per Anthony Chapman of the Express, and as noted here by Bleacher Report’s Sam Tighe, he’d be an excellent January signing:

The winger has yet to showcase the very best of his abilities during his time at Bayern and at 23 years old, it’s vital he starts to get more minutes under his belt if he is to achieve his true potential. He’ll certainly get them at Inter—who are currently toiling in 11th place in Serie A—but you can’t help but feel this is an opportunity missed for Liverpool.

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Shaqiri has the raw speed and direct approach that would add plenty to this Reds front line, and he’s the kind of player who could act as a catalyst for a much-improved second half of the season. If the Reds are interested, it'd be a worry if they weren't capable of luring him to the Premier League at the expense of a toiling Nerazzurri side.