Milner the man to sustain shaky Spurs in summer shake-up

Tabloids report that Manchester City’s tenacious midfielder James Milner is a summer target for Tottenham, after the player has slipped down the order at the Etihad in recent seasons due to big-money signings. City are current second-favourites at 7/4 to win the league.

With the former Leeds, Newcastle and Aston Villa man’s contract up in 2015, Manuel Pellegrini could be looking to offload him sooner, rather than risk losing the Englishman for free the following June.

Milner has featured in all but five Premier League games this season, but started just seven out of those 21. Despite his versatility, the 28-year-old is now behind the likes of Yaya Toure, Samir Nasri, David Silva and Jesus Navas in the attacking midfield positions.

Spurs had been looking to finish in the Champions League places (11/2) this term but, with their recent heavy 4-0 defeat to London rivals Chelsea, they are now four points adrift of fourth-placed City – who have three games in hand on them.

Following the match at Stamford Bridge, Tim Sherwood accused his side of lacking character and guts, and the potential addition of Milner would certainly erase that.

If the Yorkshireman were to jump ship, it would mean a reunion with his old Leeds teammate Aaron Lennon, who both began their careers around the same time at the former top-flight club.

Although Milner seems to have lost a regular place in the City setup, he continues to be a favourite of England manager Roy Hodgson – consistently getting the call-up – and can be backed odds-on at 2/5 to make the final 23-man World Cup squad.

While Spurs’ hopes of a top-four place this season may be now out of reach, another summer shake-up could be on the cards as they reportedly look to offload flops such as Roberto Soldado and Erik Lamela. It seems Milner would be the perfect addition to a team supposedly lacking fight.