James Milner looks set to move to Manchester City in a deal which could be concluded this weekend, according to Aston Villa manager Martin O’Neill.
Milner was left out of Villa’s friendly with Valencia on Friday night and O’Neill admitted afterwards that the decision not to include Milner was taken because he expected something to happen in regard to the player’s transfer over the weekend.
“We didn’t play him primarily because there could be something happening in terms of the transfer,” O’Neill said following a 0-0 draw with the Spanish club.
“I thought it would be the best thing to do not to play him in case something develops over the weekend or Monday or Tuesday.
“I think there’s been fresh contact. I couldn’t tell you whether there’s been a renewed offer. I think there is something in that there now, yes (getting it concluded quickly). I agree.
“I think that’s for everyone’s benefit really, it’s probably time to get something done if it’s at all possible. And I think that was the aim anyway when the teams were talking.
“But I’m unable to furnish you with further details at this moment.”
Villa rejected a £20 million bid for Milner from Manchester City in May, indicating that they wanted £10 million more for the versatile England midfielder.
Negotiations between the clubs are ongoing, with reports suggesting that Stephen Ireland could be used as a makeweight in any potential deal.
O’Neill is anxious for the matter to be resolved quickly and not to drag out like it did with the proposed move of former Villa player Gareth Barry to Liverpool two summers ago.
“I think losing your best players at the football club would obviously cause you a headache,†he said.
“That’s a problem, it’s a problem because you’re trying to build something and something like this happens.
“It happened obviously two seasons ago with Gareth – a few seasons ago now – the two years ago when it didn’t get resolved and I’m not so sure anyone wants to go down that route again.”
