James Milner was 16 years old when he first featured in Leeds United's first-team in 2002.
The Leeds-born youngster from the club's academy was a bright spark in two difficult seasons as the Whites' narrowly avoided relegation from the Premier League in 2002/03 before dropping into the Championship the next season.
Milner was subsequently sold to Newcastle for £5million as Leeds struggled with a mountain of debt. He then moved to Aston Villa before major transfers to Manchester City and Liverpool. At the latter two clubs he has won every domestic trophy, as well as the Champions League and Club World Cup with Liverpool. He also featured for England at international tournaments.
However, there has always remained a hope amongst many Leeds fans that one day he might return to Elland Road. Of course, Leeds remained outside the Premier League for so long, whilst Milner has always been a Premier League quality player so there was no chance of him coming to the Championship to play for the Whites again.
Now, there might finally be an opportunity for a homecoming for Milner as his contract at Liverpool is up this summer and he recently said that he wants to continue playing, rather than take retirement:
"I am taking my football coaching badges, but my only intention at present, is to play football for as long as I can. Us footballers are retired for a long time," Milner said, as reported by Liverpool.com
The midfielder has just turned 36, so his age is less than ideal, particularly given Leeds' need to start churning the squad for the future with several of the core players now over 30.
However, as Milner could be secured on a free transfer, they could bring in younger, prime age players whilst still bringing in Milner to add experience and leadership, as well as the undoubted quality he still has. Whilst Milner might be in the twilight years of his career, he remains one of the fittest players in the Premier League and can still contribute to a high level, particularly in a team like Leeds which won't be competing on multiple fronts like Liverpool are.
It's easy to imagine that Milner could be an incredible example to players like Joe Gelhardt, Lewis Bate, Charlie Cresswell and Leeds' other young players who are breaking through. They are already mixing with Leeds' senior professionals but the former-Leeds man would bring the experience of winning major trophies which Leeds' current players don't have.
It should be said that there are no rumours of a deal like this being on the cards other than fan speculation. It seems clear at this stage that if it were ever to happen it would have to be this summer or the chance will be gone.
