Liverpool close to confirming James Milner signing from Manchester City

Liverpool are reportedly hoping to conclude the talks with Manchester City midfielder James Milner and announce the signing later this week.

According to the Telegraph, the Reds are confident of completing a free transfer after the midfielder rejected the offer of a lucrative contract to remain at the Etihad Stadium.

Brendan Rodgers has been on the trail of the former Aston Villa midfielder, who is a free agent, the entire summer and is looking likely to win the race for Milner with the report claiming that a verbal agreement is already in place to take him to Anfield.

Milner was serenaded with a big money contract to remain with Manuel Pellegrini's side, but the England international is said to have grown tired of the manager's rotation policy, which saw him play in multiple positions throughout the season.

The 27-year-old is said to have given up his Champions League ambitions to sign for Liverpool, with an eye on a prominent and regular starting role at the centre of the midfield, as the Reds manager looks for a long-term replacement for departing captain Steven Gerrard.

Apart from the Merseyside club, Premier League rivals Arsenal and Manchester United were also said to be in the running for the midfielder's signature, but the Reds have stolen the march on their rivals and are close to completing the deal.

Rodgers is looking to change his transfer strategy this summer, and sign proven talent rather than depend on skilled but inexperienced players to mount a challenge next campaign.

Apart from the City star, the Anfield outfit are close to completing a move for Burnley striker Danny Ings, who is a free agent and is also said to prefer a move to Liverpool over Tottenham Hotspur. But the Northern Irishman will have to pay the Clarets a compensation fee of around £3m-£5m, which will be decided by a tribunal.