Brighton and Hove Albion midfielder James Milner has revealed that Leeds United were indeed interested in bringing him back to Elland Road this summer.
The 36-year-old left Liverpool at the end of the 2022-23 season after his contract expired and was in search of a new club.
Milner started his career with Leeds, becoming a professional in 2002 after six years in their academy.
The former England international midfielder had been constantly linked with a return to the West Yorkshire club, but he had opted to join the Seagulls by the time the Whites got serious with their interest.
“Leeds were interested very late,” Milner told the Times.
“When there were changes in the hierarchy there, when somebody left the club [director of football Victor Orta left last May and Andrea Radrizzani sold up to 49ers Enterprises in June], it was all speed ahead, but before that there was no interest.
“By that point my mind was pretty much made up that Brighton was the right move for me.”
The former Manchester City star has 621 Premier League appearances to his name and would have been a solid addition to the Leeds midfield.
He has featured at right-back since joining Brighton and his versatility will come in handy for the Seagulls.
Milner is also capable of playing at left-back, on both wings and in central midfield, and manager Daniel Farke could do with such a quality player within his ranks.
However, the offer from Leeds came too late and he agreed a one-year contract with the option to extend for another year with Brighton.
They have signed four players so far this summer, with Ethan Ampadu, Karl Darlow, Sam Byram and Joel Piroe joining the squad, and talks are ongoing to sign Bayer Leverkusen attacker Nadiem Amiri and Genk forward Joseph Paintsil as Farke looks to further bolster his attack.
Leeds have scored three goals in their opening three Championship games this term and are still in search of their first victory having lost one and drawn twice.
