By Pranav Shahaney

26th Aug, 2023 | 9:10pm

Journalist react as Brighton midfielder makes Leeds United admission after leaving Liverpool

Ben Whitelaw believes that former Liverpool player James Milner’s interview suggests he would’ve joined Leeds United over Brighton.

The former Premier League and Champions League winner ended up moving to the Amex Stadium after his contract at Anfield expired.

He gave an interview which was published by the Times on 25 August where he revealed that the San Francisco 49ers made an approach to sign him but by then he already decided to join Brighton.

Whitelaw, a former Guardian journalist, wrote on Twitter, “Interesting Leeds United nugget in this Times interview with James Milner: 49ers seemingly made an approach to sign him but he’d already decided on Brighton. Sounds like he would’ve said yes if offer had come earlier. Missed opportunity.”

Shrewd

Bringing Milner to Elland Road would’ve been a shrewd move and not one that he would’ve thought twice about.

He loves the club and they’ve been very good to him throughout his career so a return was written in the books for him.

He’s also loved by the fans and would return to the club with that winning mentality that’s lacking inside the Leeds dressing room.

Milner is also a utility player who can play at left-back, right-back and central midfield and he could’ve been a Swiss Army knife for Daniel Farke.

If the 49ers were waiting for the new manager to arrive before making an approach then that was a big mistake as nobody would not want him back.

If someone like Sam Byram was re-signed, Milner clearly is the better option and would’ve been one of the leaders at the club too.

In other Leeds United news, the Whites have now emerged as favourites to sign a Premier League player likened to Lionel Messi.