James Milner to Request Aston Villa Manager to Let Him Join Manchester City

England international James Milner is going to talk to Aston Villa manager Martin O'Neill soon about his future. He has been linked with a move to Manchester City throughout the summer, but Villa boss is trying his best to keep hold on the 24-year-old midfielder.

Manchester City has reportedly had a £20 million bid rejected for the player, while Villa is holding out for an amount near £30 million. City is believed to be ready to pay around £24 million to seal the deal.

James Milner had a highly successful last season with Villa and is keen to face new challenge this season. There are at least two reasons Milner is interested to join Manchester City. First of all, City has reportedly offered him a lucrative deal that, he knows, would never expect at Villa.

Secondly, City has already become a force to make serious bid for a top four finish, if not the Premier League title, next season. Any player would love to play in Champions League and Milner is no different.

Most importantly, Milner knows he would be an outright first choice for City manager Roberto Mancini who would like to feature him in City’s midfield alongside Yaya Toure and David Silva.

Overall, it looks less likely that Martin O'Neill would be able to keep Milner for the next season, considering City’s financial ability. However, O'Neill can then claim City’s out-of-favor midfielder Stephen Ireland in a part swap part cash deal which City would not mind to accept.