Brighton preparing to sign Liverpool midfielder James Milner as a free agent this summer

Brighton are plotting a move for Liverpool midfielder James Milner this summer, according to the latest reports.

The 37-year-old's contract is due to expire at the end of the season and despite Jurgen Klopp's wishes to keep him, Milner has not been offered a new deal.

David Ornstein of The Athletic said: "Brighton have evaluated the matter internally and are determined to bring Milner to the Amex Stadium."

Newly promoted Burnley are also thought to be keen on the Englishman, who played alongside Clarets boss Vincent Kompany at Manchester City.

However, they must bide their time as Premier League teams are not permitted to make approaches for an out-of-contract player until the end of the campaign.

What has Klopp said about Milner?

Klopp is clearly a huge admirer of Milner, who is allegedly keen to extend his eight-year stay at Anfield.

Back in March, the Reds boss told reporters that the midfielder was keen to continue playing at the highest level, referring to him as an "incredibly important player".

"We have different plans for Milly but Milly wants to keep playing," said Klopp. "When you see him play the other night I think everyone understands that. You can't judge him normal for his age. He is 37, doesn't look a day like this when he is in training.

"He is an incredibly important player and in this game (Wolves) you saw on the pitch as well. It is not that Milly expects to play 64 games a season but in 64 games a season Milly could be extremely important. That is how it is. Milly has reached 600 games and most of them for Liverpool.

"Even a player who had a few clubs can end up at his club and I would consider Liverpool as his club and I am pretty sure the club should use his character and his mindset because it is really special.

"There might be more fancy players out there but no one with a similar mind-set and that makes him incredibly valuable for us. And it is not because I am too loyal. It is just a fact."

Topics: James Milner, Liverpool, Brighton And Hove Albion, Burnley, Vincent Kompany, Jurgen Klopp, Football, Transfers

Joe Adams

Joe is a Journalist for SPORTbible with a primary focus on football. He has previously covered a number of other sports including boxing, rugby and F1. Wishes he was born left-footed.

@joeadamsjourno