James Milner snubbed interest from Leeds United in favor of joining Brighton on a free transfer, sources have told Football Insider.
The 37-year-old’s contract at Liverpool is set to expire this summer, and a number of Premier League clubs registered interest in signing him after hearing of his availability.
Leeds, Burnley, Nottingham Forest, and Everton all showed interest in signing Milner on a free deal, but he has decided on a move to the south coast.
Football Insider sources revealed on Friday (5 May) that Milner has verbally agreed to sign for Brighton this summer.
It is a blow for Leeds, who were hoping to bring Milner back to Elland Road 19 years after he left the club.
Leeds-born Milner started his career with the Yorkshire club after progressing through their youth academy and graduating to the first team in 2002.
He spent two years with the Whites and made 53 appearances for the club before moving to Newcastle United in 2004.
Milner has previously spoken about returning to his boyhood club in 2020 when he suggested that he would be open to the move.
“You never know in football what’s around the corner,” Milner said. “I’m biased, but I think the Premier League will be a better place with Leeds in it.”
Leeds understand that they were not in the strongest position to attract Milner, with the club on the brink of dropping back into the Championship with four games remaining this season.
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