Reds look to Milner

Newcastle winger James Milner is a reported target for Rafa, with the Liverpool boss keen to offload Pennant in part-exchange. Milner, has already racked up almost 100 appearances for the Magpies since his £5million switch from Leeds in July 2004. The hard-working midfielder, who is also interesting the Villans, has also been a key member of England's Under-21 side and is understood to be keen on a move to Anfield. Newcastle are desperate to keep hold of Milner, who netted three times for the Magpies last season, and boss Kevin Keegan has already rejected out-of-hand a swap deal involving former Birmingham winger Pennant. Midfielder Danny Guthrie, 21, has also been offered to Keegan, but the former England manager has set his sights on striker Peter Crouch.

Crouch, who is high on the hit-list of former club Portsmouth, has numerous admirers, but the £15million price tag is so far proving prohibitive.