‘Important’ Milner discusses deal extension

Liverpool are in talks with James Milner about extending his contract after manager Jurgen Klopp hailed the 33-year-old for setting an example to his young players.

Milner’s deal expires at the end of the season and the versatile Yorkshireman revealed in the summer he was awaiting guidance from the club regarding their intentions.

Initial conversations have now taken place and Klopp said the respect between Milner and the club guarantees an honest negotiation.

“Nobody is nervous, we are in talks constantly,” Klopp said. “It is really early and we have time to do things with all the players. The relationship is very trustful. We don’t hide information from them, they know always about the situation.”

Despite his senior status, Milner’s fitness levels are such that Klopp has often said he could continue for longer at the highest level. “He just loves what he is doing. He has gone through it all,” Klopp said. “He did it the hard way with all his clubs, Newcastle, Aston Villa, and then with Manchester City he was not a regular starter.

“He is now really calm and fine with his career and how it has worked out, but he is still there making the next step. He is very ambitious and that is his nature.

“It makes it even more important because he can play five positions. He is incredibly important for us but it is an important time for him.”

It remains to be seen if a contract offer is mutually beneficial but inevitably it would be a short-term arrangement if agreed.

“Like always, if you have a squad, you only think about it for the next two or three years,” Klopp said.

Klopp, meanwhile, says goalkeeper Alisson will resume full training after today’s trip to Sheffield United.