By Noel Whelan

4th May, 2022 | 7:00am

Liverpool may have found Jurgen Klopp successor as contract reportedly offered - pundit

Noel Whelan has insisted James Milner has got what it takes to become a future manager of Liverpool as he looks set to sign yet another contract extension.

The former Leeds striker, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, claimed the 36-year-old has the required “love and desire for the game” to make a success of a career in management.

According to The Telegraph (1 May), Milner has been offered a one-year extension at Liverpool and the player seems “certain” to put pen to paper in order to prolong his stay on Merseyside.

The utility man has confirmed he is working towards attaining his coaching badges – but insisted he is focused on playing football for “as long as possible”.

Current boss Klopp penned a fresh deal last week to keep him at Anfield until 2026.

When asked if Milner has what it takes to become a future manager of Liverpool, Whelan told Football Insider‘s Ewan Kingsbury: “Yeah, absolutely.

“He’s got those mannerisms about him. You can see him going straight into the coaching side of things, and maybe even managing later on.

“He’s got that love and that desire for the game, and you can see it through the way he plays and the intelligence he brings with his play.

“I think the younger players will already be looking up to him. He’s definitely got the attitude you need to control big games, big names, and high emotions.

“I’d love to see him in management – whether that’s at Liverpool or Leeds.”

Milner’s current deal is set to expire at the end of this season.

He has made 35 appearances across all competitions this term, most of which have been from the bench.

In other news, pundit tips Liverpool to U-turn on Naby Keita after what he’s seen.