James Milner opens up on uncertain Liverpool future as Anfield contract talks go quiet

The veteran is one of two first-team regulars down to the final year of their deals alongside Joel Matip, with Adam Lallana and Nathaniel Clyne’s contracts also up in the summer of 2020 though they have featured sparingly at Anfield in recent years.

Reports indicated earlier this summer that Liverpool want to tie both Milner and Matip to fresh terms.

The duo were crucial members of the squad that won the Champions League in Madrid last season.

Although Milner will turn 34 this coming January, the Reds’ vice-captain remains in peak physical condition and once again returned to Merseyside this summer in optimum shape.

The versatile former England international has played at left-back and right-back as well as in a multitude of midfield roles and with his vast experience remains an important option to manager Jurgen Klopp.

He is a key man in the dressing room but on the pitch Milner also played 45 times, scoring seven goals and laying on seven assists, last term and can expect regular game-time in the upcoming campaign too.

But Milner insists he does not know whether or not Liverpool have plans to hand him a new deal to keep him at the club beyond next summer, despite speculation the club wanted to sit down and thrash out an extra one-year extension.

“As it stands, last year we spoke to the club and asked them if they wanted to do something and they said not at that time,” he revealed.

“We haven’t heard anything since, so that’s where we are at.

“All I can do is concentrate on my football and do what I can. 

“But in terms of where I am with my contract, that’s what has happened up until now and I haven’t heard anything from the club.”

Milner – who joined Liverpool on a free transfer from Manchester City four years ago – is confident he remains at the top of his game despite nearing his mid-30s.

Asked if he still feels he is at his best, Milner said: “I’d like to think so. 

“Everyone pipes on about my age and stuff I understand you are going to get that. 

“There are three things to it: availability, fitness and performance level. 

“Hopefully I am delivering all three. I am just going to keep concentrating on my football, keep contributing to Liverpool and be the best player I can be for as long as possible.”