James Milner the latest victim of St. Vitus' Dance:
Perhaps good news for Everton? Or maybe the start of a serious epidemic?
http://www.guardian.co.uk/football/2010/jul/16/aston-villa-james-milner-manchester-city
Aston Villa appear increasingly resigned to losing James Milner after it emerged the club is yet to offer the England international a new contract in the face of interest from Manchester City and that there are no talks scheduled between the two parties.
Milner remains a key target for City, who are expected to return with an improved bid after their opening offer of £18m, plus a further £2m in add-ons, was flatly rejected in May. Villa met Milner and his representative shortly after that bid was received to discuss his future, but the club's desire to hold on to the 24-year-old midfielder did not extend to them presenting him with a new deal and improved personal terms. That situation has remained unchanged.
Martin O'Neill, the Villa manager, said towards the end of last season that the club was keen to reward Milner, who has just entered the final two years of his contract, for his progress following an outstanding campaign which culminated in him being named PFA Young Player of Year. O'Neill had suggested talks would take place after the World Cup finals yet there has been no indication that when Milner returns at the end of the month, after being given an extended break following the World Cup, that he will be presented with a new contract proposal.
It appears that within Villa there is an acceptance it is all but certain Milner will seek to move this summer. Stewart Downing said on Thursday that he suspects his team-mate has "probably already made his decision" and earlier in the week O'Neill sounded pessimistic about Villa's chances of keeping Milner out of City's clutches. "Eventually, if players do want to leave the football club, or any football club for that matter, then it becomes more difficult than ever before," he said.
Milner is understood to be surprised at O'Neill's remarks because of the inference that he is agitating for a move away from Villa Park, despite the fact he has never pushed to be given the chance to join City.
Whether that stance changes should City fail to meet Villa's asking price, which is believed to be in excess of £25m, remains to be seen, although it seems highly unlikely the former Leeds trainee will submit a transfer request.
Perhaps good news for Everton? Or maybe the start of a serious epidemic?
http://www.guardian.co.uk/football/2010/jul/16/aston-villa-james-milner-manchester-city
Aston Villa appear increasingly resigned to losing James Milner after it emerged the club is yet to offer the England international a new contract in the face of interest from Manchester City and that there are no talks scheduled between the two parties.
Milner remains a key target for City, who are expected to return with an improved bid after their opening offer of £18m, plus a further £2m in add-ons, was flatly rejected in May. Villa met Milner and his representative shortly after that bid was received to discuss his future, but the club's desire to hold on to the 24-year-old midfielder did not extend to them presenting him with a new deal and improved personal terms. That situation has remained unchanged.
Martin O'Neill, the Villa manager, said towards the end of last season that the club was keen to reward Milner, who has just entered the final two years of his contract, for his progress following an outstanding campaign which culminated in him being named PFA Young Player of Year. O'Neill had suggested talks would take place after the World Cup finals yet there has been no indication that when Milner returns at the end of the month, after being given an extended break following the World Cup, that he will be presented with a new contract proposal.
It appears that within Villa there is an acceptance it is all but certain Milner will seek to move this summer. Stewart Downing said on Thursday that he suspects his team-mate has "probably already made his decision" and earlier in the week O'Neill sounded pessimistic about Villa's chances of keeping Milner out of City's clutches. "Eventually, if players do want to leave the football club, or any football club for that matter, then it becomes more difficult than ever before," he said.
Milner is understood to be surprised at O'Neill's remarks because of the inference that he is agitating for a move away from Villa Park, despite the fact he has never pushed to be given the chance to join City.
Whether that stance changes should City fail to meet Villa's asking price, which is believed to be in excess of £25m, remains to be seen, although it seems highly unlikely the former Leeds trainee will submit a transfer request.
