Everton transfer news: Sky Sports pundit reacts to James Milner interest amid Liverpool exit in ‘aggro’ verdict
We’re delighted to welcome former Everton striker Kevin Campbell as our exclusive columnist. Each week the former Toffees captain will be giving his views on the biggest talking points at Goodison Park…
Kevin Cambell has dismissed outright the reported interest from Everton in Liverpool midfielder James Milner, saying there is “no chance” he makes that move.
A report from 90min on 4 May that focused on Brighton pushing to sign the 37-year-old on a free transfer, claimed the Toffees were joined by Leeds United and Nottingham Forest in hoping he would reassess his options.
But Sky Sports pundit and former Goodison captain Campbell has shot the suggestion down in flames, and backed the former England international to complete a move to the Amex instead.
“Not happening. No chance,” he said, speaking exclusively to Goodison News.
“I think it’s a done deal him going to Brighton.
“He’s not going to make that move. Struggling Everton, going from Liverpool, he don’t need that aggro.”
It has been done, but the last figure to cross the Merseyside derby divide was Rafael Benitez and his appointment was never accepted by the Everton fanbase.
There was over a decade between the Spaniard leaving Anfield and arriving at Goodison Park, so Milner is hardly going to go straight from one to the other.
And while the midfielder has plenty of the hallmarks of a player who would do well in this side, and also the profile of player that Sean Dyche would go for, it is just not realistic.
Free transfers are going to be necessary if the club is again short on cash this summer, and the manager has proven that he values experience and physicality in his side.
Amadou Onana may be set to leave a sizeable hole in the midfield, but the chances of Milner helping to fill it seem vanishingly remote since any logical interest in getting a deal done goes out the window when his recent history is considered.