Coral’s rumour reel: James Milner set for Anfield switch

Manchester City midfielder James Milner has been tipped for a move away from the Etihad, with the England international’s current contract set to expire, and Liverpool are reportedly in prime position to secure his services. The Reds are prepared to meet wage demands of £150k-a-week for Milner and negotiations for their transfer target are currently ongoing.

Another attacking star reported to be arriving on the red half of Merseyside is Aston Villa frontman Christian Benteke, but Brendan Rodgers’ Reds are unwilling to fork out an apparent £32.5m required to trigger the Belgium international’s release clause. The Anfield outfit are 5/2 with Coral for a top four finish in the 2015/16 top-flight campaign.

A host of forwards are being linked with a move to Liverpool in the coming months, as well as Dynamo Kiev forward Andriy Yarmolenko, with the 27-year-old stating he is ready to be tested in the Premier League. Tottenham are also said to be keeping close tabs on the Ukraine international wideman this summer.

News from the capital, as Newcastle United’ French midfield enforcer Moussa Sissoko has claimed that Premier League champions Chelsea are monitoring his situation at St James’ Park, after a torrid term on Tyneside. The 25-year-old declared that he is happy at the Magpies but Champions League football is appealing and a move to the London side could on the cards.

Current Blues striker Diego Costa has enjoyed a successful maiden season in England but the Brazilian-born Spain international has reportedly become unhappy at Stamford Bridge and could seek a sensational return to La Liga this summer.

Speculation surrounding Barcelona’s Dani Alves persists, with the Brazilian full back being tracked by several big European clubs, such as Manchester United and their close rivals City, but PSG boss Laurent Blanc believes the sought-after defender is using other teams to earn a new contract at the Nou Camp.

Bayern Munich’s experienced World Cup winning midfielder Bastian Schweinsteiger is another star linked with a move to Old Trafford, as Louis van Gaal aims to bolster his squad for next season, having worked together before in Germany.

However, if a switch cannot be agreed for the stalwart Munich maestro, then the Red Devils will turn their attentions towards acquiring Southampton anchorman Morgan Schneiderlin, with the France international midfielder desiring European football next term.

Elsewhere, Everton have apparently opened talks with United’s out-of-favour Englishman Tom Cleverley, whose contract expires this summer, but Villa will also aim to secure his signature, with the 25-year-old having helped them reach the FA Cup final and avoid relegation this campaign. The Villans are 7/2 to face the drop next term, having narrowly avoided going down this season.