Jurgen Klopp is 'pushing the Liverpool board' to open talks with "special" player

Jurgen Klopp is eager to extend James Milner's contract at Anfield, according to reports.

The Reds boss is in the market for midfield recruits this summer, as Liverpool spy a major overhaul in their midfield.

Jude Bellingham is said to be the club's priority transfer target this summer, as a number of players look set to depart the club.

However, Klopp isn't ready to see Milner leave just yet, reportedly pushing the board to strike a deal with the Englishman.

The 37-year-old has been defying age in a Liverpool shirt, having made 32 appearances for the club this term, after signing a one-year extension last summer.

But he is out of contract at the end of the season, and has been rumoured with an exit.

Klopp keen to extend Milner's contract

Football Insider's Peter O'Rourke has revealed that Klopp is a huge admirer of Milner and is pushing the Liverpool board to 'replicate the offer and table another one-year extension for the 2023/24 season.'

The German boss reportedly believes 'Milner’s leadership and off-pitch presence is crucial to Liverpool’s dressing room atmosphere and believes he would be a huge loss for the club should he leave this summer.'

Milner was one of Klopp's first signings when he arrived at Anfield, joining as a free agent from Manchester City, and has since gone on to win the Champions League.

The Liverpool boss recently informed reporters that the industrial midfielder was keen to continue playing at the highest level, referring to him as an "incredibly important player".

"We have different plans for Milly but Milly wants to keep playing," said Klopp. "When you see him play the other night I think everyone understands that. You can't judge him normal for his age. He is 37, doesn't look a day like this when he is in training.

"He is an incredibly important player and in this game (Wolves) you saw on the pitch as well. It is not that Milly expects to play 64 games a season but in 64 games a season Milly could be extremely important. That is how it is. Milly has reached 600 games and most of them for Liverpool.

"Even a player who had a few clubs can end up at his club and I would consider Liverpool as his club and I am pretty sure the club should use his character and his mindset because it is really special.

"There might be more fancy players out there but no one with a similar mind-set and that makes him incredibly valuable for us. And it is not because I am too loyal. It is just a fact."

Whilst talks have allegedly not been opened, Liverpool are 'optimistic' over a new deal once negotiations are underway.

Topics: Jurgen Klopp, James Milner, Liverpool, Football, Premier League

Joe Adams

Joe is a Journalist for SPORTbible with a primary focus on football. He has previously covered a number of other sports including boxing, rugby and F1. Wishes he was born left-footed.

@joeadamsjourno