Milner: No progress on new deal

James Milner says that he is in the dark regarding the possibility of extending his career at the Reds.

The popular veteran is entering the final 12 months of his current contract and despite some early progress, the 33 year-old said there has been no update for some time.

The Liverpool Echo reported the midfielder as saying:

“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.

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

Jurgen Klopp spoke of his complete admiration of Milner a couple of days ago saying that he is a manager's dream because he gives his all every time he takes to the pitch and cares so much to the overall cause.

The manager said having Milner around is non-negotiable as far as he is concerned.

“Character, talent, all that stuff is on the highest level. It’s strange, only in sports do we speak about a 33-year-old person as if he was old.

"Milly, especially, with all the things he has, there are still a few good years to come. 

"And for a guy like him, there is always a door open in our club.

"As long as I am here, there will always be a place for a guy like him.”

Milner who joined the Reds in the summer of 2015 was thankful for those kind words by his manager.

"It’s obviously nice. 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 was an ever present for Klopp last season making 45 appearances in all competitions taking his career tally in the top flight to 516, which is the most of any current player.

There is a common school of thought that once you approach the mid 30s it is time for a footballer to look at other options, however the fitness fanatic doesn't fit the bill of someone appraching the end of his career just yet.

To the contrary, Milner feels he has a fair bit left in the tank.

"Yeah, 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.”