What Does Milner Know That We Don't?
He was prefered to Kieron Dyer in his early period at the club, and although he never lacked effort, I wouldn't say he took the place by storm.
But he was seen as "one for the future", and even now - four years on - we still haven't seen the best of him.
He has quality, and perhaps a move to Anfield would get that out of him ... or that seems to be his thinking.
His crossing from the flank, and that is the 'bread and butter' of wing play, has never been strong.
Perhaps someone should tell him the golden rules - get the ball past the first man, and away from the goalkeeper.
More often than not he tends to forget it.
Liverpool, we believe, would be his first choice.
He made a lot of noises when the Reds were showing an interest, and the Champions League is obviously every player's Holy Grail, and we cannot blame him for that.
Obviously he doesn't feel he can achieve his goals at St James' Park, or perhaps he sees the quality of Jonas Gutierrez as a genuine threat to his place.
Personally I would love to keep him, but I won't be crying buckets when he goes ... so long as the money is put to good use and we get someone better.
The squad is paper thin, and seeing more players go than Keegan brings in, is a major concern to us all.