James Milner hoping to extend Liverpool contract

James Milner has expressed his desire to extend his Liverpool contract with just eight months remaining on his current deal.

The 33-year-old will be able to leave Anfield on a free transfer at the end of the season, but he hopes the club can “sort something out” before then.

Will Milner leave Liverpool next summer? Five things to know…

• Milner joined Liverpool from Manchester City on a free transfer in the summer of 2015.
• His contract expires at the end of the current season.
• The midfielder is 33 but says he feels as fit as he did six years ago.
• And he hopes the club will “sort something out” in terms of extending his contract.
• Milner has made 190 appearances for Liverpool in all competitions, scoring 24 goals.

Approaching the age at which most players begin to consider retirement, Milner claims to feel as fit as he did six years ago.

And the former England international says his drive to keep playing at the “highest level” will hopefully keep him at Liverpool beyond next summer.

“Someone said to me, a few years back, that I’m going to have to rein it in in training, and look after myself a bit. I didn’t agree,” Milner told The Guardian.

“I felt that the more I pushed myself, then the higher level I get in terms of fitness. I still feel very good and no different to what I did six years ago.

“My contract with Liverpool is up at the end of the season but hopefully we’ll sort something out. I want to keep going as long as possible at the highest level.”

Asked about the opponent he has found most difficult to deal with in his career, Milner waxed lyrical about Crystal Palace star Wilfried Zaha.

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He said: “I’ve been sent off for tackles on him twice. He’s a talent. Unpredictable. You see how difficult it is to deal with him when you’re watching him. And when you play against Zaha he’s tricky and very tough to face.”

Meanwhile, ex-Manchester United defender Patrice Evra recently named Milner as his most difficult opponent.

“I suppose it’s a compliment,” Milner added. “He thought I was a nuisance.”