Liverpool determined to hang on to out-of-favour midfielder

Liverpool will look to fend off interest from a host of Premier League clubs in January for James Milner, reports The Daily Telegraph.

Milner has dropped down the pecking order at Anfield this season but offered a reminder of his capabilities after turning in an outstanding performance in Liverpool’s 7-0 win away to Maribor on Tuesday.

The arrival of left-back Andrew Robertson over the summer, coupled with the surprise resurgence of Alberto Moreno, means that Milner is now left battling for places in his favoured midfield role, but he has struggled for game time this season.

A stack of Premier League clubs are waiting in the wings to try and prise the former England international away from Anfield in January, but Jurgen Klopp still believes Milner is a vital part of his plans this season.

With Adam Lallana due back at the start of next month, there will be even more competition in midfield and it could prove tough for Liverpool to convince Milner to stay when first-team opportunities will be limited.

Milner has only started two Premier League games this season but will be pushing for more game time against Tottenham on Sunday after his performance in midweek, which was enough to earn him a place in the WhoScored Champions League Team of the Week (9.42 rating).