Liverpool have already identified long-term James Milner replacement, Klopp will love his versatility

Liverpool have already identified their long-term James Milner replacement, according to reports.

Brighton are on the cusp of signing Milner from Liverpool, with the 37-year-old’s contract at Anfield set to expire at the end of the season.

The midfielder, who has also received interest from newly-promoted Burnley, has reportedly been blown away by Roberto De Zerbi's tactical innovation.

Milner, who will mark 22 seasons in the Premier League in the new campaign, has allegedly heard testimonies of how great De Zerbi is with the elder statesmen in the squad, viewing them as teachers and coaching staff rather than just players.

Though Milner is on the cusp of leaving Anfield, Jurgen Klopp reportedly wanted to keep the ex-England international. Indeed he leaves Liverpool a club legend, having lifted a league title, Champions League, FA Cup, League Cup, World Club Cup and Super Cup.

In the words of the player’s former Manchester City manager Manuel Pellegrini: "It's very difficult to find another Milner - an intelligent player with a massive heart." However, the Reds appear to have identified who they want to replace the Anfield favourite.

Long-term James Milner replacement?

As reported in the Mail last month, Liverpool are monitoring Birmingham City teenager George Hall.

The 18-year-old, who also represents England’s U19s, has made 30 appearances in the Championship this term, starting 13 times.

And his performances have reportedly also attracted interest from Leeds as well as a series of rival Premier League sides plus clubs from Germany and Italy.

Indeed, one of Hall’s key attributes which may be of interest to Klopp is his versatility. The teenager mainly operates as an attacking midfielder, but can also play as a winger and in a deeper central position.

Indeed, Hall has made five appearances as an attacking midfielder and five from centre-midfield this campaign. However, he has also featured once as a striker for Birmingham this term, and once on either flank.

Topics: Football, Liverpool, Birmingham City, Brighton And Hove Albion, James Milner, Premier League

Chris Byfield

Sport journalist with experience writing on football, rugby, boxing and the Olympics. I'm also a Crystal Palace fan. Please don't hold this against me.