By David Lynch, Merseyside Correspondent

4th May, 2023 | 11:24am

Sources: James Milner to quit Liverpool - rivals in pole position to sign him

James Milner is set to leave Liverpool on a free transfer this summer with Brighton leading the race for his signature, sources have told Football Insider.

The Englishman has elected to end an eight-year stay at Anfield when his contract expires at the end of the season rather than pen a 12-month extension.

His availability had prompted a battle for his signature also involving Burnley, who will return to the Premier League next term after sealing promotion from the Championship in style.

However, it is Brighton who are ultimately expected to secure the 37-year-old’s services, allowing him to link up with former Reds teammate Adam Lallana at the Amex Stadium.

Jurgen Klopp hinted in January that Milner was keen to continue playing as frequently as possible even in the latter stages of his remarkable career.

“We have different plans for Milly, but Milly wants to keep playing,” the German said.

“You can’t judge him because of his age or whatever. He’s 37. It doesn’t look for a day like this in training.

“He’s there, full throttle. He’s an incredibly important player.”

The 37-year-old’s chances of featuring regularly at Anfield next term were likely to have been compromised by plans for an overhaul in midfield this summer.

Liverpool are currently laying the foundations for a big spend in the upcoming transfer window in order to fix what has emerged as a problem position for Klopp during a forgettable campaign on Merseyside.

Their need to add in that area has also been exacerbated by the imminent departures of Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Naby Keita who, like Milner, are out of contract at the end of the season and will be allowed to leave.

In other news, Liverpool midfielder Thiago Alcantara is set to miss the rest of the season with a hip injury.