MANCHESTER City have made an improved contract offer to James Milner as speculation persists over the England midfielder's future.
Milner (right) is out of contract in the summer and, throughout the season, has held off signing a new deal that was offered last summer.
That has alerted other clubs - and Arsenal and Liverpool have been heavily linked - but it is understood City have now raised the stakes by tabling an enhanced deal. Reports have suggested this could be worth as much as £165,000 per week over four years, making him one of the club's top earners.
Yet it still remains to be seen whether Milner will commit as he ponders what could be the last big move or contract of his career.
Manager Manuel Pellegrini has said that money and terms have not been an issue for Milner, but that the matter comes down to playing time.
Milner is thought to want to be sure that he is likely to play a prominent role at the Etihad Stadium having been frustrated by a lack of starts in last season's title-winning campaign.
This season he has been more active, making 27 starts in all competitions, including some of the biggest games of the campaign, despite knee problems.