Liverpool Transfer News: Rumours on World-Class Stars Eyed by Brendan Rodgers

Liverpool look set to miss out on the signature of PSV Eindhoven star Memphis Depay as Manchester United look to swoop in, but James Milner has given the Reds hope after putting contract talks on hold at the Etihad Stadium.

Depay has lit up the Eredivisie this season to raise speculation regarding a move to one of Europe's bigger leagues, and the Sunday Mirror's Simon Mullock says United have already "beaten" their rivals to a £25 million move:

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United have told PSV Eindhoven that they are prepared to meet their asking price of £25million for Depay, a 21-year-old goal-scoring winger. That is too rich for Liverpool, who were prepared to go to £20m for a player they have been courting for the last 18 months.

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And Sunday Mirror Sport can reveal the Dutchman has exploited his close friendship with PSV technical director Marcel Brands to ensure United beat Liverpool to Depay’s signature.

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As Mullock states, Louis van Gaal will undoubtedly have allies back in his native Netherlands that would paint Old Trafford as the more likely destination for Depay, especially considering United's rise to prominence in 2015.

Having spent such vast quantities on the likes of Angel Di Maria, Ander Herrera and Luke Shaw in 2014, United look set for big investment again this summer, with Mullock quoting Van Gaal as recently saying: “I don’t have any doubt that players are coming to Manchester United.”

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It's disappointing news for any Liverpool fan to hear, as the Merseysiders will assuredly be seeking to strengthen their attack at the end of the current campaign.

Depay signed a new contract with PSV at the beginning of the 2014-15 season, but after netting 19 goals in 26 league appearances to lead the Eredivisie scoring charts, a summer departure looks likely.

The Netherlands international would be a welcome arrival at Anfield, too, with Daniel Sturridge still struggling to recapture his best form since returning from injury.

Peter Hall of Sky Sports would add to Liverpool's misery by describing Depay's potential switch to Old Trafford as a "near certainty," with Brendan Rodgers' side seemingly priced out:

Should the Reds be able to shift some dead weight first, they may yet free up the funds to contend for a deal, with Mario Balotelli, Rickie Lambert and Fabio Borini all failing to impress this season.

It may not be wise for the Anfield giants to hold their breath in Depay's chase, though, with Van Gaal's Netherlands connections likely to give his team their ace in the hole.

James Milner Delays Manchester City Contract Talks

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Rodgers may be far more hopeful of a deal being cut to sign Manchester City's Milner, however, after it came to light the England international won't be holding contract talks until the end of the season.

Milner's deal at the Etihad Stadium will expire in June, and the Daily Mail (h/t Independent's Samuel Stevens) reports he's open to remaining with City past this term.

The 29-year-old hit a stumbling block in negotiations around Christmas time and will be seeking assurances over playing time, having been used as little more than cover for stretches of his City stay.

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However, Manuel Pellegrini is a fan of the versatile midfielder, per Stevens, with Milner having even filled in as a false nine earlier this season during Sergio Aguero's injury lay-off: "Milner is a phenomenon, a guy with big balls and a heart this big. I hope he stays. If he doesn’t, it will be because there’s an important offer."

It's understandable the Three Lions star should seek a more prominent role in what's likely to be the last major contract of his career, something that Liverpool would be more ready to offer.

Steven Gerrard's departure to L.A. Galaxy this summer means a void will open in Rodgers' engine room, and Milner could be a complementary partner for England team-mate Jordan Henderson.

Milner made his 14th Premier League start of the campaign in Sunday's 4-2 defeat to Manchester United, having managed 40 appearances for the Citizens in total this term.

The player's versatility leads to him being seen as little more than a utility at times, but Philippe Auclair of French outlet RMC sits among those who admire his ability:

Should Milner fail to come to an agreement with his current employers, he could make for a valuable free pickup this summer and a pleasing replacement for Gerrard.

His status as a Manchester City player isn't at its end just yet, though, and an important couple of months lies ahead before a decision is made on the future of the soon-to-be free agent.