Liverpool: Klopp told to keep 'exceptional' 285-game star at Anfield

It’s a “no-brainer” for Liverpool to give James Milner a new deal this summer, according to journalist Pete O’Rourke.

The 36-year-old remains a key part of Jurgen Klopp’s squad, but he is out of contract at the end of next month and therefore set to become a free agent.

Milner might have started just eight Premier League games and played less than 1000 minutes for the first time in the top-flight season since he was a teenager at Leeds, but Klopp has continuously praised the midfielder’s attitude and professionalism in recent years.

Following Liverpool’s 1-0 victory at Newcastle earlier this month, in which Milner was making his first league start for four months, the Reds manager described him as a ‘role model‘ after he captained the Merseysiders to a crucial three points in their pursuit of a second Premier League title.

Furthermore, Klopp admitted that none of Liverpool’s success in recent years would have been possible without Milner, who’s sat on 285 appearances for the club.

But this could be Milner’s final season at Anfield unless Klopp’s side opt to extend his terms, with his current deal running out in under two months.

However, O’Rourke reckons that offering the former England international fresh terms shouldn’t even require a second thought.

He told GIVEMESPORT: “If he’s been needed to play at right-back or somewhere in midfield, he’s always done it and he’s such a popular figure in the dressing room, it makes sense for them to give him a one-year contract.

“He’s got the experience which he can bring and help other young players, so I think for Liverpool it would be a no-brainer to give him a new deal and he’s one of the fittest players as well.”

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