JAMES MILNER has responded to Newcastle United’s insistence that he is staying at St James’ Park by asking for a pay rise.

The England Under-21 international has seen teammate Steven Taylor sign a new £35,000-a-week contract in recent weeks.

And sources close to Milner claim the former Leeds man is among the lowest paid on the first team books and is looking for parity with some of those around him.

The midfielder’s future has been the subject of much debate during the summer with both Liverpool and Aston Villa asking about his availability.

Both clubs have been put off by the Magpies valuation of the player which has risen from £7m to £9m.

Newcastle’s refusal to do business has led to Villa ditching their attempts to sign him and that was highlighted by Martin O’Neill’s move for David Bentley on Monday.

Liverpool, too, have decided to pursue other avenues which has left the Newcastle winger preparing for another campaign on Tyneside.

The former Leeds player has therefore instructed his advisors to land him a new deal.

Signed for £3.6m four years ago, Milner still has three years remaining on his existing deal but is keen to receive a pay hike to reflect the value Liverpool and Villa have been quoted.

During Taylor’s negotiations, it was suggested Milner and Charles N’Zogbia both earned around £30,000-aweek.

Newcastle manager Kevin Keegan, keen to retain Milner, has asked Liverpool about the possibility of taking full-back Emiliano Insua on loan.

The Argentine, 19, faces a fight to work his way ahead of Liverpool’s new signing Andrea Dossena and Fabio Aurelio.

And a move to Newcastle will offer Keegan back up to Jose Enrique. A defender certainly on his way to Newcastle is Metz’ Sebastian Bassong.

The 22-year-old has been invited for a trial and has accepted after being advised by friends from Arsenal, Emmanuel Adebayor and Abou Diaby.

“I’m not there yet,” said Bassong. “I will start at the end of the week. I’m not used to doing trials but I will do it with a lot of joy because it’s a superb opportunity.

“I haven’t spoken with Kevin Keegan yet but my agent has discussed things with him. He told him he’s been following me for quite a long time.”