Milner sets Thursday deadline for City move
A frustrated James Milner has set a 48-hour deadline for Manchester City to secure his transfer from Aston Villa, according to widespread reports.
Milner is willing to play in Villa's Europa League play-off match at Rapid Vienna on Thursday if his desired move to City hasn't gone through by then, a move that would
prevent Milner from playing for City in that competition if he was to change clubs afterwards.
Villa caretaker manager Kevin MacDonald said: "If James hasn't gone to Manchester City by the middle of the week, I'm sure he'll want to play, because he just loves playing football."City have been pursuing Milner for most of the summer and last week appeared to be on the brink of getting their man, but their own player Stephen Ireland has refused to agree to head in the other direction unless he receives a £2 million pay-off, which City are not willing to offer.
The cash-rich Manchester club could yet come back with a cash-only offer to match Villa's valuation if Ireland continues to be a stumbling block, but
Milner is reportedly sick of waiting to know his future and wants it resolved - one way or the other - before Thursday's match.Milner played for Villa in their opening Premier League fixture on Saturday, starring and scoring in a 3-0 home win over West Ham. Milner received a standing ovation from the home fans, so he would not see another season at Villa Park as an undesirable option.
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