James Milner has refused to rule out returning to Leeds United before he retires from football.

The 33-year-old is currently playing an important role for Liverpool as Jurgen Klopp's side look to finally win the Premier League but he has a real connection to the Whites having come through the ranks at Elland Road.

The versatile midfielder made over 50 appearances as a teenager for Leeds before departing for Newcastle and still holds the club close to his heart.

That was evident when Milner told the Sportsman that he could be open to pulling on the white shirt again before he hangs up his boots.

"I am a Leeds lad and I want the team to do well, I’m a fan. I always follow the team and the results. So you can never say no or even yes because just so much changes in football, you never know what happens.

"I don’t know what the future will hold. It would be amazing to play for Leeds again but no one from the club has ever contacted me about that."

The Yorkshire side would increase their chances of landing Milner if they win promotion, with Marcelo Bielsa's side second in the Championship going into today's games.

The verdict

Milner has made it clear regularly over the years just how much Leeds means to him, so you can't rule it out.

However, he will obviously put his own career first and unless the Whites win promotion then you can't see any possibility of this happening.

But, it's something that could be revisited in the summer or further down the line if Leeds win promotion - which looks likely under Bielsa's guidance.

Thoughts? Let us know in the comments below.