Insider predicts Brighton contract talks scheduled to take place imminently with midfielder

Brighton are putting plans in place to offer James Milner a new contract to keep him at the club beyond the end of the current season.

The 40-year-old is set to see his contract expire in June as things stand, but has established himself as a key member of Fabian Hurzeler’s starting XI.

He has started in five of the Seagulls’ last six Premier League games and has seen them win four of those, with his experience still seen as a valuable asset.

Former Man United chief scout Mick Brown told Football Insider that Brighton could offer Milner a short-term extension to keep him around for at least another season.

While the final decision will ultimately be made by the midfielder, keeping him around will allow Brighton to focus on other transfer plans ahead of a busy window.

Brighton hope to agree new James Milner contract

Football Insider shared reports last summer that Milner could retire at Brighton and take up a coaching role given his age and the stage of his career.

However, having become a regular in the Brighton starting XI again, there is a growing feeling he could be convinced to extend his time as a player.

Hurzeler is believed to be keen to keep him around for his performances on the pitch but also his experience, know-how and leadership behind the scenes.

“I expect Brighton will be keen to keep Milner around,” Brown told Football Insider.

“There are a lot of reasons for and not many against, he’s become an important part of their side not just on the pitch but behind the scenes as well.

“Hurzeler is going to be keen to keep him around as well because of that experience and leadership, even if it’s only a one-year deal.

“They will know his limitations physically at his age, how is best to manage his minutes and that sort of thing, and plan accordingly based on that knowledge.

“Milner will know in himself as well how he feels about continuing playing, because I can’t imagine if he leaves Brighton it will be to go somewhere else.

“Ultimately it’s going to be his decision to make because of his age and all of this, but he’s still playing a big role for Brighton, so I don’t see why not.

“It’s something they’re going to speak about between now and the end of the season, and after his run of form, maybe sooner than they planned.”

Brighton set sights on ambitious transfer targets

Should Brighton prove successful in their attempts to extend Milner’s stay, it will allow them to shift their focus from midfield to strengthening in other areas.

Brown told Football Insider on 10 March that Brighton are confident of signing Said El Mala from FC Koln and have been impressed by his Bundesliga displays.

The 19-year-old winger has scored ten goals and provided four assists in 27 appearances in the German top flight and has attracted interest from multiple top clubs.

European giants including the likes of Bayern Munich, Borussia Dortmund and Chelsa are keen to lure him in this summer, but Brighton feel they can get ahead on their pursuit.

Their previous record of developing young players before selling for a significant profit, as well as offers of increased playing time, could give them the edge.

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