Liverpool veteran James Milner 'rejects Everton offer' with Brighton agreement reached

Liverpool midfielder James Milner has rejected an audacious contract offer from Merseyside rivals Everton, according to a new report.

Milner is out of contract at Anfield in the summer, and is expected to depart the club after eight years.

He was at Liverpool when Jurgen Klopp took charge in 2015, and is one of the German's most trusted dressing room lieutenants due to his leadership qualities and the example he sets for younger players.

On the pitch, the 37-year-old has played over 300 games for the Reds, won seven trophies and played in several different positions when required during Klopp's reign.

Speaking in an interview with Dubai-based outlet Gulf News last year, Milner stated that he was interested in moving into coaching once he hung up his boots - but added that he wanted to continue playing for as long as possible.

It is no surprise, therefore, that despite his seemingly impending Liverpool exit, the midfielder is in talks with other clubs.

And he looks set to join Roberto De Zerbi's Brighton, with Fabrizio Romano claiming last week that he had accepted a 'final proposal' from the Seagulls.

That reportedly wasn't the only offer he had on the table, however.

Milner 'rejects Everton offer'

According to Football Insider, Everton made a late approach to Milner to convince him to move to Goodison Park from next season.

However, he turned down the proposal in favour of Brighton, with the deal said to be verbally agreed at this stage.

It would have been a major shock to see Milner lining up for the Toffees next season, given the fierce rivalry between the two clubs and the fact that only five players have transferred between Liverpool and Everton in the past 40 years (as per LFCHistory).

The 37-year-old has been praised by Klopp in recent weeks, with the German boss paying tribute to one of his longest-serving players ahead of his imminent departure.

Speaking on Friday, he said (quotes via BBC Sport): "He knows how highly I value him. He is an incredible part of this team and I would love to work together with him even longer.

"I said a couple of times - nothing positive that happened in the last seven and a half years would have happened without James Milner.

"I can say that over the years and in the last few months I had really good conversations. What exactly the outcome will be of his decisions, I'm not sure if it happened already."