JAMES MILNER MAN CITY MOVE EXPECTED
James Milner's move from Aston Villa to Manchester City is finally expected to go through in the next 24 hours now the England midfielder has returned from international duty.But the midlands club will today meet representatives of winger Ashley Young in a bid to convince him to stay at Villa Park in the wake of interest from Tottenham.
Young has two years left of his current deal and is one of Villa's highest earners with a salary of more than £60,000 a week.
He impressed when setting up both goals for skipper Steven Gerrard in England's 2-1 win over Hungary at Wembley last night.
Villa want Young to sign a long-term deal, but that would only happen with a sizeable wage increase and assurances over the future ambitions.
Club owner Randy Lerner has also made it clear he wants to restore the club to an even financial keel.
Tottenham would probably have to match the £20million-plus deal Villa have agreed with City for Milner to have a chance of landing Young.
Milner's switch to Eastlands would also include City midfielder Stephen Ireland heading in the opposite direction.
Lerner conceded that sorting out the Milner transfer was part of his "immediate focus".The deal will represent a handsome profit for Villa, who signed Milner for a club record £12million from Newcastle two years ago.
But it was Lerner's decision not to make all the funds available to Martin O'Neill from the Milner transfer for new players which led to the Northern Irishman quitting Villa on Monday.
The American businessman revealed differences in opinion on how to take the club forward led to O'Neill walking out after four years.
Lerner in a media statement, said: "Having had some time to reflect on Martin leaving, I can say that our most immediate focus is supporting (caretaker boss) Kevin MacDonald and resolving the situation with Manchester City and James Milner.
"As for explaining why Martin left, I can say only that we no longer shared a common view as to how to move forward.
"To deal in greater detail would do little but cause additional distraction for the club as it faces imminent games and the clear priority of hiring a permanent manager."
Villa may give caretaker boss Kevin MacDonald an elongated stint in charge as they seek the right replacement for O'Neill.
They have been showered with applications but are determined to make sure the ideal appointment is made.
Sven-Goran Eriksson has been installed as the new favourite with the bookmakers, although there has been no contact between the Swede and Villa.
Lerner has sufficient faith in reserve-team coach MacDonald not to feel the need to make a hasty appointment.
He will be in charge for Saturday's home Barclays Premier League opener with West Ham but could also take the reins for the Europa League clash with Rapid Vienna next week.
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