City sign Milner, Ireland moves to Villa

(GSM) – Manchester City have finally signed James Milner from Aston Villa in a swap-plus-cash deal which also takes Stephen Ireland to Villa Park.

Milner completes his long-awaited switch to Eastlands after successfully passing his medical and signing a five-year deal.

The 24-year-old winger may make his debut in City’s important Premier League clash with Liverpool on Monday night.

With Ireland valued at £8m, the deal is thought to be in the region of £24 million.

City boss Roberto Mancini told the club’s official website: “I am very happy to have James with us, everybody knows we have admired him for some time.

“He is an excellent midfielder, who can play in a number of positions. This is important for the team, and I am looking forward to seeing him play for us. We have a very strong squad, and this signing is a very important one for us.

“James he is already a very good player, who has proved he can play at the very top level. But he is also young and a good character, I think he can also improve and be a great player for Manchester City for a long time.”

And speaking about Ireland’s departure, Mancini added: “I hope things go well for Stevie at Villa. He is also a very good player, and he has played a big part in City’s history.

“I think he will enjoy the change of being at another club, and I hope he does well for Aston Villa.”