Brighton’s transfer for James Milner could be HIJACKED as former club want to bring him back

LEEDS UNITED have made a late swoop to try and hijack Brighton’s plans to sign James Milner.

Milner, 37, is out of contract at Anfield this summer.

AlamyLeeds are ready to hijack Brighton’s swoop for James Milner[/caption]

And it had been widely-expected that he was set to agree a one-year deal to join former Reds team-mate Adam Lallana at Brighton.

Now the Daily Mail has claimed that an “emotional return to Leeds could be on the cards” if the Elland Road club avoid relegation.

Milner came through Leeds’ academy and made his debut for his hometown club aged 16 in 2002.

He penned a five-year deal in 2003 but was sold to Newcastle just 12 months later as financial problems engulfed Elland Road.

The midfielder then went on to star for Aston Villa and England before joining Manchester City.

He arrived on a free transfer at Liverpool in 2015 and has won the lot during his nine years on Merseyside.

After winning the Premier League twice at City, he helped the Reds end their 30-year title drought in 2021.

That was after playing a key role in their Champions League, Uefa Super Cup and Fifa Club World Cup successes in 2019.

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And he added to his trophy cabinet again last season as Jurgen Klopp’s side lifted both the Carabao Cup and FA Cup.

Now as he prepares for the next chapter in his storied career, it had appeared that Brighton set to be the winners in battle to secure the experienced ace’s signature.

However, he has often spoken fondly of Leeds are his old employers “are in the hunt” to sign him.

And this update states that “a move back to Elland Road cannot be ruled out with no decision yet made” – although they will need to retain their Premier League status to pull off the deal.

Leeds, who have just appointed Sam Allardyce to try and save them, currently occupy the final relegation spot.

They are a point behind Everton with two matches – away to West Ham and at home to Tottenham – left to play.

PA:Press AssociationMilner burst onto the scene as a teenager with hometown club Leeds[/caption]