Arsenal and Liverpool Plot Summer Move for Manchester City Midfielder James Milner

Arsenal and Liverpool are reportedly preparing to battle it out once again in the summer transfer window, aiming to land James Milner from Manchester City.

The Daily Express' report states that the Gunners and the Reds have joined Everton, Sunderland and his former club Aston Villa, in an attempt to quell the 28-year-old's disappointment by giving him regular playing time next season.

The versatile midfielder has less than 12 months left in his current contract and is keen on leaving the Etihad to feature regularly in the starting line-up. He started just 12 matches in the Premier League last campaign and was also deployed as a winger and at right-back as manager Manuel Pellegrini had Javi Garcia, Yaya Toure and Fernandinho to play in the central midfield role.

The former Leeds star, who joined the Citizens in 2010, for a reported £26m fee is understood to be wanting to see out his contract and leave for free next summer, but is discontent with being a bit-part player.

The reigning English champions have additionally signed Brazilian midfielder Fernando Reges from FC Porto, further putting Milner's future under the cloud. City are hoping that the England international will stay for the upcoming campaign in order to help them meet the minimum home-grown quota of players.

His compatriots Joleon Lescott and Gareth Barry have departed from the Etihad to join West Bromwich Albion and Everton respectively, while Liverpool are reportedly looking to swoop for right-back Micah Richards.

Jack Rodwell too looks likely to follow suit as Roberto Martinez plans to bring him back at Goodison Park.

This will leave Joe Hart, Richard Wright and Scott Sinclair excluding Milner, as the only players meeting the home-grown category.

Both Arsenal and Liverpool are said to have made discreet enquiries about the midfielder's availability. He could be available for a considerably lower price. The Express' report also suggests that Milner could have to accept reduced wages from potential suitors if he wants to play for a new team next season.

The north Londoners and the Merseyside club were angling a move for Alexis Sanchez, who eventually moved to the Emirates. Both clubs were also believed to be interested in Queens Park Rangers striker Loic Remy, but the Frenchman is poised to join Brendan Rodgers' side this summer.