However, the Sunday papers are full of stories regarding Milner's desire to join Rafa Benitez's men. In two separate attempts to lure the former Leeds player from Newcastle, Benitez is said to have firstly offered 21 year old midfielder Danny Guthrie who spent last season on loan at Bolton and secondly, added Jermaine Pennant into the equation, both offers were rejected by Keegan's camp.

It wasn't long ago that Milner was looking to the future as he gave an interview to the Evening Chronicle indictating he was happy at the club.

He said last week:

"If we start saying certain things it puts pressure on, especially if we don't start as well as we'd like to.

But what I can say is that the club deserves to be in Europe. It's a massive club. I came to the club when it was in Europe. And that's where Newcastle should be."

I'd love to be part of a Newcastle team that wins a trophy, whether it's next year or the years after. That has to be an aim. But next year the aim is to get into the top half, secure a position and be in the hunt for European football. We can do that - we know we can.

We are a small squad and that's been said before. So I am sure there will be names coming in and going out. If we can come back and start the way we finished it will give us a good platform to carry on."

Milner who is priced at approximately £7million by Newcastle is also under the watchful eye of Aston Villa manager Martin O'Neil who is said to have matched Newcastle's price tag in a recent bid.

Newcastle United manager Kevin Keegan appears more interested in a swap deal for Liverpool's out of favour striker Peter Crouch who is desperate to leave Liverpool for regular pitchtime.

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