Liverpool have decided that Manchester City midfielder James Milner is the ideal player to replace Steven Gerrard when he moves to LA Galaxy in the summer, as reported by the Daily Star.

Their heavy interest means that the Anfield club are in prime position to snap up the former Aston Villa, Newcastle United and Leeds United midfielder when his contract expires at the end of the season.

Discussions over a new deal between Milner and City have broken down, and therefore the player is expected to leave the Etihad Stadium in the summer when his deal runs out.

He rejected a deal that he was offered last month, and with no improvement in the offing, he is likely to depart.

With Gerrard set to leave at the end of the season, Liverpool want to take advantage of the situation.

Brendan Rodgers is thought to be a keen fan of Milner, and plans to tempt him to Merseyside with a long term deal.

Liverpool are lining up a move for Manchester City midfielder James Milner, with the City contract rebel possibly available on a free transfer at the end of the season.

Milner has not agreed to a new deal with the Premier League champions, despite the fact that his contract with the Etihad Stadium club expires at the end of the campaign.

This means that City are increasingly fearful of losing Milner on a free transfer when the season finishes.

City are therefore in a conundrum heading into the winter transfer window.

Milner’s importance to the side has been highlighted by the fact that he has been filling in as a striker during the absence of Sergio Aguero, Edin Dzeko and Stefan Jovetic.

His club are therefore loath to lose a consummate professional.

However, they don’t want to lose a player they paid £28.5 million for for free.

Liverpool are hopeful of taking advantage of Milner’s situation and capturing the talented England international.