Liverpool transfer news: Brighton using secret weapon to sign Milner

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Adam Lallana had a role in convincing James Milner to leave Liverpool and join Brighton & Hove Albion in a free transfer this summer.

That is according to talkSPORT, which reports that Milner is now close to signing a contract and joining the Seagulls.

Milner is set to leave Anfield for free on July 1 with his £60k-a-week contract due to expire. He has spent the past eight years on Merseyside.

Milner is set to follow Lallana from Liverpool to Brighton for free

The 37-year-old has made 328 appearances for the Reds during a trophy-laden career since leaving Manchester City for free in 2015.

But with his deal due to expire on June 30 and his career winding down, Milner now wants to begin a new challenge away from Liverpool.

Brighton hope to convince Milner to join their exciting project under Roberto De Zerbi in a free transfer from Liverpool.

The Seagulls have even employed Lallana’s services to try and tempt his former teammate to follow the midfielder from Anfield to the Amex Stadium.

Lallana similarly left Liverpool for Brighton in a free transfer in July 2020 after his contract at Anfield expired. He had spent the previous six years on Merseyside.

The midfielder has now contributed to the Seagulls challenging for European qualification – possibly even at the Reds’ expense – this season.

Lallana played a role in convincing Milner of a transfer this summer

But off the pitch, Lallana has helped to convince Milner to leave Liverpool and join Brighton in a free transfer.

His advance is understood to have played a part in Milner agreeing to move to the south coast this summer.

Brighton and Milner are yet to finalise a total agreement but discussions with the veteran Liverpool star are nearing competition.

The 61-cap England international, who Garth Crooks called ‘exceptional’ in October 2022, would leave Anfield having won his third Premier League title.

Milner helped Liverpool pip Manchester City to the 2019/20 title after winning two with the Citizens in 2011/12 and 2013/14.

He also helped Jurgen Klopp deliver the 2018/19 Champions League, the 2021/22 FA Cup and the 2021/22 EFL Cup. Milner has also scored 26 and assisted 46 goals so far.