Liverpool Transfer News: James Milner 'Poised to Sign,' Fresh Edin Dzeko Rumours

Versatile Manchester City midfielder James Milner is "poised to turn down" a £165,000-per-week contract extension "to sign for Liverpool," according to David McDonnell of the Mirror.

The 29-year-old remains an inconsistent starter at the Etihad Stadium, yet his ability to bring tremendous work rate and energy to a variety of roles makes him invaluable to Manuel Pellegrini's squad. McDonnell believes Liverpool will offer around £100,000 per week alongside the promise that Milner can step into his preferred central-midfield role.

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However, Jeremy Cross of the Daily Star believes Arsenal are in "pole position" to sign the England international. Cross suggests Milner is due to hold "further talks with his agent Matthew Buck next week," before settling on a plan for his future. "He is also worried about how successful Liverpool can be under Brendan Rodgers, which has left the Gunners in the driving seat," writes Cross.

Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger was quizzed on the subject of Milner at Tuesday's pre-match press conference ahead of the Gunners' clash with Sunderland, and he suggested he doesn't need strengthening in this area, per James Olley of the London Evening Standard:

Milner's ability to fill in across the board is highlighted by WhoScored.com. He has played on both wings, across the breadth of attacking midfield, as a central midfielder and out-and-out forward this campaign. With 43 appearances across all competitions (27 starts), he is a squad player who is most likely to be deployed when a more explosive star is injured.

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The former Aston Villa man is a workhorse, but he also flaunts underrated quality on the ball. He isn't the quickest but is difficult to knock away from possession and always plays with his head up. As such, he can thread a smart pass or bulldoze his way beyond defenders with his stocky frame. His natural defensive contribution also marks him as one of the Premier League's most well-rounded stars.

Liverpool boss Brendan Rodgers admires players who can fulfill multiple duties, so Milner would slot right in at the club. Now that word has got out that Raheem Sterling intends to leave, per Ben Smith of BBC Sport, Milner may become a more enticing signing to the Anfield club. He's the type of player who's easy to mock, but once he's gone, his value to City will become apparent.

B/R UK's Thom Gibbs recently discussed why Reds fans should be excited about potentially signing Milner:

City may be a profitable hunting ground for Rodgers during the summer. Simon Jones of the Daily Mail believes the Northern Irishman is "showing interest" in Edin Dzeko, who remains a peripheral figure in Manchester.

Jones believes a fee of "around £25 million" would force City into selling, although Liverpool could also "follow up an enquiry" made for Stevan Jovetic. Neither Dzeko nor Jovetic have set the Etihad Stadium alight this season, scoring four and five Premier League goals, respectively, per WhoScored.

Fifth-placed Liverpool have netted just 51 goals this season, compared to 101 last year. This is lower than Tottenham and Southampton below them, and just three above 10th-placed Everton. At least one clinical finisher is needed if the club is to maintain pace with the Premier League's best.

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Dzeko is a proven entity in England. Per WhoScored.com, this year is the first time he hasn't hit double figures, but he's a genuine match-winner when given the opportunity to shine. Rodgers is exactly the type of manager who can turn his form around by setting the team up around him.

With Steven Gerrard leaving and potentially Raheem Sterling as well, Liverpool will need to spend big this summer. As highlighted this season, Champions League football will be difficult to come by if the right captures aren't made. Milner and Dzeko are excellent options who deserve greater chances to shine in the division, perhaps at Anfield.