Manchester City midfielder James Milner is at the top of Liverpool’s summer transfer targets reports Oliver Kay from the Times.

The 29-year old is in the final six months of his contract at the Premier League champions having rejected an offer of an extension from the club last month.

Oliver Kay reports that the England international has told his teammates that he doesn’t expect to be offered a new deal between now and the end of the season and that this will be his final couple of months at the club.

Liverpool will be looking to replace Steven Gerrard in the summer after it was confirmed on Wednesday that their club captain will be joining Major League Soccer side Los Angeles Galaxy on an 18-month deal in the summer.

The Reds have been strongly linked with Bayern Munich’s Xherdan Shaqiri in recent months, whilst Milner offers a cheap and different alternative to the Swiss international, but where both would be considered an upgrade to what the club currently has.

James Milner has featured in 18 of Manchester City’s 20 Premier League games so far this season, starting 10.  His versatility has seem him line up on the left, right and centre of midfield, and in recent weeks, up front, following injuries to Sergio Agüero, Edin Džeko and Stevan Jovetić.

Milner scored both goals in Sunday’s FA Cup victory over Sheffield Wednesday.

The 53-time England international would offer Liverpool a wealth of experience, versatility and ability in midfield next season.  James Milner has made 375 Premier League appearances in his career, with spells at Leeds United, Newcastle United, Aston Villa and Manchester City.

James Milner is currently in his fourth season with Manchester City following his £28.5 million move from the West Midlands after the 2010 World Cup.  He has lifted the Premier League trophy twice, the FA Cup once and the League Cup once during his career, all with his current club.