Liverpool are moving towards their first big-name signing of the summer as they edge towards a deal to bring in Manchester City midfielder James Milner.

The England international is out of contract at the Etihad Stadium and can join Liverpool on a free transfer on July 1.

The Anfield club are expected to hold talks with 29-year-old Milner this week in a bid to secure his signature.

Milner has been at Manchester City since 2010 and has collected two Premier League titles and an FA Cup winner’s medal.

Having started out with his hometown club Leeds United, he moved to Newcastle and spent four seasons on Tyneside before moving to Aston Villa for one year.

Roberto Mancini took Milner to City in a move reported to be worth £26million in August 2010.

Milner has won 53 England caps since he made his Three Lions senior debut in 2009 and he continues to be a mainstay under Roy Hodgson.

Liverpool boss Brendan Rodgers is seeking to rebuild his midfield this summer after Steven Gerrard left the Merseyside club to continue his career with LA Galaxy in the MLS.

Rodgers is also set to hold talks with Liverpool co-owner Tom Werner this week to review the season just passed.

The Reds’ Premier League campaign came to a sorry end when they were thrashed 6-1 at Stoke on the final day of the season.