Eye shock shot from Everton for influential Liverpool star Klopp loves; Brighton could sabotage Dyche's plot

Despite Brighton being favorites to sign Liverpool veteran James Milner, Everton have now joined the race for his signature, according to reports.

At the age of 37, the Englishman is understandably past his best, but he is still being chased by more than one Premier League club.

Although Everton may not be in the top flight for very long as they find themselves embroiled in another relegation battle.

Indeed, the Toffees have a real chance of being relegated for the first time since 1951. That would arguably make them the biggest club to move up to the second tier since Manchester United in 1974.

Sean Dyche's side currently sit second in the table having collected just 29 points from 34 league appearances. Now the former Burnley boss has just four games left to avoid the unthinkable.

However, the threat of relegation hasn't stopped Everton from identifying transfer targets behind the scenes. Indeed, according to 90min, the Blues are planning a rare raid on their Merseyside rivals for Milner.

While they aren't the only team in the running - with Leeds, Nottingham Forest and, as mentioned, Brighton all debating whether to sign him this summer.

Since joining Liverpool in 2015, Milner has made 328 appearances in all competitions, scoring 26 goals and providing 46 assists.

During this period, the England international played a key role in helping the Reds win a Premier League title, Champions League, FA Cup and League Cup.

Jurgen Klopp has also hailed Milner as one of his team's most important players, thanks to his influence as a 'role model'.

"Milly is Milly, that's hugely important to us. People talk about the dressing room [influence] and yes, he's really helpful there," Klopp told reporters last year.

"Especially with a manager who is not a native speaker.

"No [when asked if he had met a fitter 37-year-old], but it would be interesting to watch Luka Modric - obviously a good generation!

"It's hard to be in better shape than Milly and she's a role model.

"I told him and I can tell the whole world: nothing we could have achieved in the last few years would have happened without James Milner, whether he was on the pitch or not.

"He sets the standards in a way that a lot of people can set. We've all been educated."

With that in mind, a player like Milner could be just what Everton need to rediscover their waning identity. However, with Brighton also interested in signing him, they will have to fight to get a deal done.

For now, however, the Toffees will focus on avoiding relegation. Dyche has just four games against Brighton, Manchester City, Wolves and Bournemouth to turn things around for his side.

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