James Milner near to Villa exit

Villa midfielder James Milner's summer-long transfer saga was on the verge of ending today as his £26m Manchester City move neared completion.

Milner was left out of Villa's squad for last night's friendly with Valencia and it is understood a deal which would see City pay £18m plus Stephen Ireland for the England star is close.

City chairman Khaldoon Al Mubarak was expected to land in Manchester this morning to tie up the deal - as well as that of Inter Milan striker Mario Balotelli.

"We didn't play him last night primarily because there could be something happening in terms of the transfer," said Villa boss Martin O'Neill.

"He had a few twinges in his back anyway, but that's beside the point.

"I thought it would be the best thing to do (to not to play him) in case something develops over the weekend.

"Really, that's where we stand. Until that possibility actually develops or whether it doesn't I thought the best thing to do was just to leave him out.

"I think there's been more contact. I couldn't tell you whether there's been a renewed offer."

Villa believe Ireland's valuation at £8m could prove a bargain for a player who was among the PFA Young Player of the Year award nominees the season before last.

But O'Neill refused to be drawn on the City midfielder's involvement in the deal.

"I'm aware of a number of things but I wouldn't be able to tell you that," he added.

"I'm not unable to give you information, it's that I'm not giving you information at this minute in fairness to the parties concerned."

The clubs have been embroiled in a transfer tug-of-war ever since Villa rejected a £20m offer from City in May.

Villa valued the player at £30m and for more than two months talks have been deadlocked.

But, with the new campaign now just a week away, an agreement is finally close.

O'Neill needs to sell to buy this summer and Aiden McGeady and Robbie Keane are among the players Milner's sale could fund.

Meanwhile, the Northern Irishman dismissed reports Bristol City have made an enquiry for Emile Heskey.

By Brendan McLoughlin