Jurgen Klopp stance on Aston Villa transfer as Liverpool boss in contract 'talks'

James Milner could leave Liverpool this summer amid reported interest from Aston Villa and other Premier League clubs.

The 36-year-olds contract at Anfield will expire at the end of the season, but he wants to continue playing at the highest level despite entering the twilight of his career.

The ex- Villa midfielder made 126 of his 800 total career appearances in claret and blue during a career at the top that has spanned two decades.

According to football journalist and European transfer expert Ekrem Konur, Milner could return to Villa Park in the summer.

Konur said on Twitter: "Aston Villa and Crystal Palace want to sign James Milner on a free transfer."

But in an update provided by transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, Liverpool are keen to extend Milner's stay on Merseyside.

He said on Twitter: "Jurgen Klopp wants James Milner to sign as soon as possible. Contract extension until June 2023 on the table - it’s up to James now."

Milner has been one of the mainstays of the Klopp era having been signed on a free transfer from Manchester City just months before the German took over from Brendan Rodgers as manager in October 2015.

And the Liverpool boss has confirmed that he has had conversations with Milner over signing a new contract.

"I am in talks with Millie and we will see," said the Reds boss earlier this month.

"There's no chance that Millie will retire next year. He is desperate to play on, and I understand it to be honest.

"Life after a career, when you are lucky enough to stay healthy, it's normally much longer than your career, so you should extend your career as long as you can.

"Millie will be fine after his career, but he obviously loves what he is doing.

"He will play football next year definitely."