City keen to keep hold of Milner

Manchester City are keen to secure the services of midfielder James Milner amid interest from a host of rival Premier League clubs, the Mirror understands.

The England international, who was last week named in Roy Hodgson’s 23-man squad for this summer’s World Cup finals in Brazil, is considering his options after making just twelve league starts for the champions during the 2013/14 campaign.

FA Cup winners Arsenal have been linked with a move for the former Aston Villa and Newcastle United man, while potential moves to either Liverpool or Everton have also been mooted.

However, City boss Manuel Pellegrini is keen to keep hold of the 28 year old, not least to help the club fill their quota of home grown players.

Fellow Englishmen Gareth Barry, Joleon Lescott, Scott Sinclair, Micah Richards and Jack Rodwell have also been linked with a move away from the Etihad Stadium in the close season.