Leeds interest in £120k-a-week freebie is a sign Allardyce favourite will leave this summer – Opinion

Leeds United could reportedly make a late move to bring James Milner back to Elland Road on a free transfer from Liverpool – but does interest in the veteran midfielder suggest Leeds are not going to renew Adam Forshaw’s deal?

Milner, 37, remains an important part of Liverpool’s side. But with his £120k-a-week deal set to expire at the end of June, he is looking for a new home after eight years with the Reds – in which he has clocked up a huge 330 games.

The Leeds-born talent, who of course came through the Thorp Arch academy and played 53 times for the Whites before leaving, was supposedly on the verge of a move to Brighton. The Mail say Brighton are favourites for Milner.

But, that a move to Leeds cannot be ruled out for Milner. The Whites would obviously need to remain in the top tier to have a chance of tempting Milner. But, could it be a sign that Leeds may not renew Forshaw’s deal this summer?

Photo by Joe Prior/Visionhaus via Getty ImagesMilner move could suggest Leeds are not renewing Forshaw contract

Forshaw has become a crucial player in the relegation run in. Sam Allardyce has made it clear that he would play Forshaw for every minute of the run in if he could, but that he has got to take it easy – given his injury concerns.

The midfielder started against Manchester City, lasting 80 minutes. He came on at half-time against Newcastle and you would imagine that he starts on Sunday, away at West Ham. But his deal ends in the summer, at Elland Road.

Last January, Forshaw penned a new deal with his previous contract expiring in June 2022. That ends this time around but Leeds do have the option of another 12 months. Interest in Milner, surely ends the chances of that.

Leeds may be thinking that it is time up for Forshaw. Milner is an incredibly similar player and if the club are to entice the 61-time England man to rejoin Leeds, they need to free up space in midfield, and some cash for his wages.

So, it could well be that Leeds are planning for life without Forshaw and bringing in Milner is certainly a hint that that is the plan. But, if the club do suffer relegation – interest in Milner evaporates, and Forshaw could sign a new deal.

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