Jurgen Klopp has praised the “incredible” impact of James Milner, who is close to completing a move to Brighton. BBC Sport understands Brighton are close to finalizing a deal for the 37-year-old, who will be out of contract at Anfield in the summer. Milner has won six major honours, including the Premier League and Champions League, since joining the Reds in 2015. Klopp said on Friday: “He knows how highly I value him. He is an incredible part of this team and I would love to work together with him even longer. I said a couple of times nothing positive that happened in the last seven and a half years would have happened without James Milner.”
Brighton, who are currently in sixth place, are bidding to qualify for European football for the first time and view Milner’s experience as being invaluable as they attempt to cement their place in the top 10 of the Premier League after two successful seasons. The Seagulls have also completed a club record fee signing of 21-year-old Brazilian forward Joao Pedro for just under 30m from Watford. Klopp added: “I can say that over the years and in the last few months I had really good conversations. What exactly the outcome will be of his decisions, I’m not sure if it happened already. Nothing else to say from me. Nothing will change.”