James Milner has 600 Premier League appearances to his name (Image: Getty)

Jurgen Klopp says he wants James Milner to sign a new contract with Liverpool, with the veteran player’s current contract set to expire in the summer.

Milner joined Liverpool on a free transfer in 2015 and played a key role in the early years of Klopp’s reign at Anfield, winning the Champions League in 2019 and the Premier League the following season.

However, the former England international’s influence on the pitch has waned in recent years and now that he is 37, some are wondering if the versatile midfielder’s career is over for good.

Although he made 21 appearances this season, only eight made the starting eleven. The Reds’ recent troubles have led many to call for a rejuvenation of Klopp’s squad, particularly in midfield.

But the manager is confident that the club will have to keep Milner on for a while longer. He claims his off-field work will be hard to replace and suggests a coaching role for his vice-captain could be at stake.

“We have other plans with Milly, but Milly wants to keep playing and if you see him playing last [against Wolves in the FA Cup] I think everyone will understand that,” Klopp said at his pre-game press conference on Friday.

“You can’t judge him normally by his age. Yes, he’s 37, but he doesn’t look like this on a day like this. He goes full throttle in training.

Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp rates Milner very highly (Image: Getty)

“He’s an incredibly important player and you showed that on the pitch in this game. It’s not like Milly expects to play 64 games a season, but with 64 games a season Milly could be huge.

“Even a player who has had a few clubs can end up at that club and I could see Liverpool as his club and that means I’m pretty sure the club has to use their character and mentality because it’s really something special.” ”

“There may be more demanding players but none with a similar mentality and that makes him incredibly valuable to us and it’s not because I’m too loyal.”

With 600 appearances, Milner is the fourth most experienced player in Premier League history, having played for Leeds, Newcastle, Aston Villa, Manchester City and Liverpool.

The Reds have several players whose contracts expire in the summer, including midfield duo Naby Keita and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain. Given the uncertainty surrounding the club’s owners and how much they can spend, an extension of Milner’s deal could make sense.

For now, however, Milner is struggling to take part in Saturday’s crucial game against Chelsea as Liverpool scramble to get their season back on track.