Newcastle United have reportedly tried and failed to re-sign James Milner.
The veteran midfielder extended his stay at Liverpool his week, agreeing a new one-year deal at Anfield. Milner did look set to leave the Reds, but will now be staying for another year on reduced terms.
That’s good news for Jurgen Klopp – and apparently a blow for Toon manager Eddie Howe.
James Milner rejects Newcastle offer
According to Goal, Milner turned down the chance to take his career to the United States. They report that multiple MLS sides wanted the former England international, but he’s said no.
Interestingly, he also rejected offers from two other Premier League clubs.
The first was Aston Villa, which would have seen the 36-year-old reunite with Steven Gerrard and Philippe Coutinho.
The second was Newcastle, who have called Milner their own in the past.
Milner could have rolled back the years at St James’ Park
In 2004, Newcastle United signed Milner from Leeds for £5million. He was 18-years-old at the time, and had just suffered relegation with his boyhood club.
Financial issues forced Leeds to sell their teenage sensation, and Newcastle were the benefactors.
Milner spent four years at St James’ Park, although one season was spent out on loan at Aston Villa. He was nearly used as bait to bring Gareth Barry to the North East, but Villa said no.
But in 2008 he returned to Villa Park, costing £12million. It was a deal that upset Toon fans, and seriously angered manager Kevin Keegan.
Milner was sold by Mike Ashley, who had promised an elite replacement for Keegan. They planned to sign Bastian Schweinsteiger, so Keegan gave Milner’s departure his blessing.
Of course, Schweinsteiger didn’t join Newcastle, and the Keegan vs Ashley saga picked up pace dramatically.
Fast forward 14 years and the Magpies have only just got rid of the Sports Direct tycoon.
Newcastle are now an ambitious team with owners who want to improve the club. Yet they still wanted to roll back the years and bring Milner back.
A move for a 36-year-old midfielder doesn’t really scream ambition, but Milner is no ordinary 36-year-old. He would have been another smart signing by Newcastle, who are currently leaning on the experience of Kieran Trippier.
Milner won’t be joining him at St James’ Park, snubbing a Tyneside return to remain a Red.
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