Liverpool agree to sign Man City midfielder Milner on free transfer

Liverpool announced yesterday they have agreed a deal to sign Manchester City midfielder James Milner on a free transfer, subject to a medical. The 29-year-old England midfielder will join the club when his City contract expires at the end of June. Newspaper reports suggested Milner will earn around 150,000 pounds (229,000 dollars) per week, having reportedly turned down more money to stay at City because he was not guaranteed a first-team place. Often used on the wing at City, Milner can hope for a more central role at Liverpool, especially after the departure of their captain Steven Gerrard, who is leaving to join the MLS in the United States. Milner, who has won 53 England caps, cost City 26 million pounds in 2010 and made 125 appearances for them, scoring 18 goals and winning two Premier League titles. Former Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher said Milner was a good signing for the club, who finished sixth this season. Writing on Kicca.com, the now Sky Sports Pundit said Milner could also be in the running to replace Gerrard as captain. “Brendan Rodgers (the manager) will have spoken to him about where he sees him fitting in but he’s very similar to Jordan Henderson,” Carragher said. “I have no doubt one reason he’s joining is to play in a more central role rather than out wide. Could Milner play a holding role? Maybe, but I don’t think that’s what suits him. “The fact that Brendan Rodgers wouldn’t confirm Jordan Henderson as this season’s captain even though he was captain in Gerrard’s absence last season makes me think him and Milner could be competing for the armband.” “I think it’s a very good signing, a free transfer who can play in a few positions and got great experience. “A good character which you can see from the fact he’s left Man City in the Champions League for Liverpool. “That shows regular starts mean more to him at this time than being a squad player with more chance of picking up trophies at City.” Now to see what happens next season.