Villa boost in James Milner tug-of-war
Villa's hopes of winning their tug-of-war with Manchester City over England star James Milner have been boosted by their rivals buckling at the £30million asking price.
Villa's hopes of winning their tug-of-war with Manchester City over England star James Milner have been boosted by their rivals buckling at the £30million asking price.
The claret and blues have already demonstrated their determination to keep the midfielder by instantly rejecting the Eastland club's opening offer of £20million for the PFA Young Player of the Year.
City are poised to make a fresh offer of £24million for Milner, but it is understood they will stress they are unwilling to meet Villa's valuation of the 24-year-old.
Keeping hold of their crown jewel would be viewed as a major triumph for Villa, with City almost certain to be one of their biggest rivals in the battle to reach the top four next season.
A transfer deadlock between the clubs would be reminiscent of the Gareth Barry saga of two years ago, when Villa dug in their heels and successfully fended off four bids from Liverpool for their then-skipper, who ironically joined City for £12million last summer.
The club are eager to tie the £12million club-record signing from Newcastle down to a new deal with manager Martin O'Neill, owner Randy Lerner and chief executive Paul Faulkner all involved in an hour-long discussion with the player before the World Cup.
And Villa did not expect the player to depart for the World Cup with any new contract signed.
Milner still has two years remaining on his existing deal and is happy at the club.
His relationship with O'Neill is strong and he would only consider a move if Villa were to accept an offer from City - under no circumstances would he attempt to force through a move by handing in a transfer request.
Villa return for pre-season training today but Milner will not be present, after being granted an extended break along with the club's other World Cup players, and will return on July 25.
City will reportedly turn their attention to Everton's Mikel Arteta should their bid to land Milner fall through.
They have already spent over £60million on bolstering their team for next season.
