City prepare final bid for Milner as Villa postpone contract talks with England winger - Exclusive
Published 23:01 06/07/10 By James Nursey
Aston Villa have postponed contract talks with James Milner as they await Man City's latest bid for the England midfielder.
City had an opening offer of £18million plus £2m in add-ons rejected by Villa at the end of the season.
And Villa are now braced for another approach from City despite the Eastlands club signing midfielders Yaya Toure and David Silva last week.
Villa held initial contract talks between Milner, 24, boss Martin O'Neill and owner Randy Lerner before the ace went to the World Cup.
All parties agreed to discuss terms on a new deal after Milner returned from South Africa.
But no more talks are now scheduled and Milner is still hoping City will return with an improved bid for his services.
City are believed to have drawn up a five-year deal worth around £90,000-a-week for Milner's signature.
But Eastlands officials insist they will not be drawn into a bidding war for Milner as no other clubs have yet come forward to firm up their interest in him.
City have since not contacted Villa for three weeks about Milner and refused to meet Villa's asking price of £25-28m plus add-ons.
But City are thought to be preparing one final take it or leave it offer for Milner's services of around £23m plus add-ons.
Milner and Villa's other England players Emile Heskey and Stephen Warnock are not due back at Villa for pre-season training until July 25.
Milner is away abroad on holiday but is willing to return to the UK at short notice should Villa accept a bid from City.
The ace, signed from Newcastle in August 2008 for £12m, has told pals is not about to put a transfer request in though.
He has two years left on his current deal worth £45,000-a-week after winning his 11th international cap in England's defeat to Germany.
Villa will sell him if their terms are met but insist winger Ashley Young is not for sale.
