James Milner

[Lecter]

I think it could be a 4-4-2 diamond, with Henderson and Milner/Coutinho in the middle, with Milner/Coutinho playing off Benteke and Origi/Sturridge/Ings.

Coutinho has show he can play in the deeper, and said in an interview last year that Rodgers see his position there, so Milner could play further forward.

He will start off 4-3-3

He might end up playing 4-4-2 diamond or 3-5-2 when the 4-3-3 plan has completely gone to **** around November

[Dessy]

An English Kuyt......nothing to be unhappy about in that respect but we need so much more

[Phoenix07]

He will start off 4-3-3

He might end up playing 4-4-2 diamond or 3-5-2 when the 4-3-3 plan has completely gone to **** around November

He could try an unorthodox shuffle of the players, where Henderson and Milner take turns in the DM position. Coutinho really shouldn't be shunted out wide.

[microbe]

I think Milner will improve the team but we need to get away from the idea that it is a "free signing". The money involved will be going to him (and his agent) rather than City. I'm sure his personal signing on fee and weekly wages will be significant.

[Mattshark]

An English Kuyt......nothing to be unhappy about in that respect but we need so much more

[danperkins]

I think Milner will improve the team but we need to get away from the idea that it is a "free signing". The money involved will be going to him (and his agent) rather than City. I'm sure his personal signing on fee and weekly wages will be significant.

[The Birdman]

I think Milner will improve the team but we need to get away from the idea that it is a "free signing". The money involved will be going to him (and his agent) rather than City. I'm sure his personal signing on fee and weekly wages will be significant.

How much does a 29 year old with over 50 caps for his country and 2 PL winners medal's, 2 runners up and 1 FA Cup winners medal in the last 4 years cost in today's transfer market?

Regardless of position or nationality that player is costing a minimum of £25 million transfer fee.
The player would still command high wages and a big signing on fee, so whichever way you look at it he's 'free' in footballing parlance as he's £25m cheaper than if someone has to buy him.

Not a chance in hell that we have given Milner and his agent £25 million more than they would have got if a fee was involved, that's ridiculous.

What it's allowed us to do is 'replace' Gerrard with a midfielder on similar wages who will perform at a higher level for the next 2-3 years certainly whilst leaving the funds for transfers untouched.

[danperkins]

He was never worth anywhere near £25 million quid, just Man City being Man City. I like Milner and would be happy if we get him although it won't be a free signing as such, but if we have to pay a couple of million then so be it. The wages should be interesting. He'll be over a hundred i'd easily I'd say.

We don't know what system or where Milner will play so not exactly sure he'll be a direct replacement for Gerrard, personally I think he'll be played either wingback or right midfield. Kovacic IMO would be more for the Gerrard replacement "not that we could ever replace Gerrard" but you know what I mean.

[BillobShaisley]

I agree with Matt, we need either Lucas or a Lucas replacement to sit in front of our back 4

That, is Jackie Chan!

[BillobShaisley]

Downing was a good crosser of the ball and AC liked that too. EDIT: apparently.

Not sure they ever played together with AC as a CF and Downing on the wing.

Seemed to have Suarez up top and AC playing inside left, swapping with Downing after an hour

[rodo]

talked to a city season ticket holder today and he is fuming that they are letting him go

[Shaggy]

I know quite a few and every single one feels the same mate. Manager wants him to stay, the club want him to stay, the fans who watch him every week do....yet some of ours think he's not good enough.

[G]

He'll be a great signing.

[Lee]

Yep, silly isn't it.

"He'll be a squad player at LFC. Doesn't improve our first team".

Yeah he's a pretty dull signing but a very good player. He'll be a regular, he'll bring experience, versatility, a winning mentality and he'll probably come in as our vice-captain.

[rodo]

probably the only move of the summer I will agree with