Milner, who began his career with Leeds United, spent a campaign on loan to Aston Villa a couple of seasons ago, and he has been linked with a possible return to Villa Park - or a move to Liverpool - all summer.

But the Newcastle Chronicle revealed last month that Toon boss Kevin Keegan will not be letting Milner leave St James' Park.

Indeed, both Milner and his England Under-21 team-mate, Steven Taylor, are both now on long-term contracts with the Magpies.

The pair have, says the Chronicle, "been enthusiastically leading the way since United returned to training last week."