James Milner has an ambition to play abroad at some stage of his career and is weighing up interest from clubs in several foreign countries as he considers whether to leave Manchester City this summer, sources have told ESPN FC.
Milner will be available on a free transfer when his contract at the Etihad Stadium expires and ESPN FC has been told that the 29-year-old has long harboured a desire to play in a different country.
The England international’s availability has brought a variety of offers, with Italian and Spanish clubs among those from a few overseas leagues who have registered an interest in the former Aston Villa midfielder.
Milner has been learning Spanish, speaks other languages and is open-minded about the possibility of a move to another country.
City have offered him a new contract and manager Manuel Pellegrini, who described himself as the player’s No. 1 fan and said it would be very difficult to find a more complete player than Milner this week, has repeatedly said he is keen to keep him.
While Pellegrini’s position could come under scrutiny in the summer, ESPN FC was told that Milner’s decision will not be based on the Chilean’s future, with the midfielder rationalising that he has played under a series of managers in his career.
His decision will be primarily based on footballing matters, rather than finances, and Milner, who only started 12 league games last season, has featured more regularly this season, making 36 appearances in all competitions.
Milner, who was a £26 million signing from Aston Villa in 2010, is also a target for other Premier League clubs including Liverpool.