Pundit Kevin Phillips has talked about a potential Liverpool exit for veteran James Milner, amidst the club's links with a move for David Alaba.

Phillips has made it clear that if the Reds do end up signing Alaba in the future, it could spell the end for Milner's time at Anfield. This came after Fabrizio Romano's confirmation that Liverpool are one of the clubs who are in the race to sign the Austrian.

Alaba could be similar to Milner for Liverpool

Phillips was recently talking to Football Insider and he spoke about Alaba and what his potential signing could mean for Liverpool and Milner's future. He made it clear that Alaba's arrival could prove to be dangerous for Milner, considering how the Austrian can play in multiple positions across the pitch, much like the Englishman himself.

The pundit said:

“He could be a great utility player for them, someone like a James Milner. That signing could spell the end for James Milner. Has he got another year left on him at Liverpool? It would be a danger to him if Alaba comes in, a player that can play in centre-midfield, left-back and at centre-half… It would be a no brainer to sign Alaba.”

Milner has played only 343 minutes in the Premier League this season and he has one assist to his name. The veteran has played at right-back, left-back and has also played in central midfield (as per Transfermarkt).

Back in 2019, Jurgen Klopp had praised Milner for his approach to the game and had described him as a 'role model'. He said: "This man is on fire. This is how it is, it is good. It helps a lot and he is a real role model for young players. If we could play every day he would be like this every day - that is how it is."

Alaba could replace Milner

Apart from centre-back and goalkeeper, Milner has played in every position on the pitch in his career. But he is now 35 and he hasn't picked up great ratings for the Reds since the 2017/18 UEFA Champions League campaign (as per Whoscored).

In his club career, Alaba has also played in a lot of positions but he can also play at centre-back. For his national team, he has also played in the attacking midfield position multiple times in his career.

Alaba is also younger than Milner and since his current deal at Bayern Munich expires at the end of the season, he could arrive on a free transfer. So Alaba could indeed do the same job at Milner but at a higher level.

In other news, many Liverpool fans have reacted to Fabrizio Romano's update - read more about it here.