England legend claims Liverpool have beaten Man Utd, Chelsea and Arsenal to best signing

Milner made the switch to Merseyside in a free transfer after his contract at Manchester City came to an end. 

And while Raheem Sterling, Morgan Schneiderlin, Memphis Depay and Christian Benteke have all made big-money moves this summer, Pearce believes Liverpool have been shrewd in their transfer dealings.

“For me, James Milner is the best signing of the summer. He cost nothing for Liverpool," Pearce told talkSPORT. 

“He will be their best trainer, he will be on the training pitch for longer than anyone. He’s a fantastic signing.

“He’s low maintenance, never in newspapers, fantastically professional, and plays to a standard of six-and-a-half, seven every week. That is all you want as a manager.”