Like everybody else I have been constantly hearing rumours linking Aston Villa midfielder James Milner with a move to Manchester City.
Today Villa boss Martin O’Neill has stated that the midfielder will be allowed to leave if the club receives a high enough offer.
Resigned
O’Neill told Sky Sports: “I had a conversation with James before the World Cup and he intimated that he’d like to go.
“City made an offer but it did not meet our valuation. I’m sure matters will be resolved soon. James is back next week having had an extended holiday.
“There is a difference of valuation at this moment between the buying club and the selling club. That may well be resolved and if that is the case then absolutely fine. I think James’ agent has told our chief executive that he wouldn’t be signing a new contract.
“Obviously that puts a different slant on things, like everything else. If a fee is agreed, at the end of the day, the player can leave.”
O’Neill is obviously resigned to losing the player and the player wants to go. Villa are believed to value Milner at £30million. I’m not so sure that Milner is worth the fee that Villa are asking for him.
Good
Don’t get me wrong I am a big fan of the England midfielder and believe he is a good player. He is only good and not world class. Can anyone really say that Milner is in the same league as David Villa?
The Spanish striker joined Barcelona for a similar fee earlier this summer. Villa has been a prolific striker in La Liga and has also become deadly in international football for his country. I know it’s hard to compare players from different positions but I know which one I would have signed if I had £30million.
Milner does have his qualities. He already has vast experience of the Premier League having played in the English top flight since making his debut as a 16 year-old for Leeds United. He has the ability to take on a man and put in a good cross and is also capable of striking the ball with tremendous power.
Milner has decided that he wishes to sign for Manchester City and challenge for trophies. From what I know about James Milner he isn’t just moving for the money. He is an ambitious lad and I’m sure he sees City as a team more likely to be successful than Villa in the near future.
Crazy
Manchester City have pushed up players values beyond their true worth. If Manchester City wasn’t interested in signing Milner would Villa really be asking £30million for the midfielder?
My answer is NO. I don’t blame Aston Villa as they don’t want to sell Milner because he is one of their key players. They can use some of the money to sign a replacement. In fact Villa could probably sign three good players to strengthen their squad with £30million.
Villa are just looking after themselves and they are right to ask Manchester City for a big fee. Everybody knows that Manchester City are rich beyond most clubs wildest dreams and will pay massively over the odds for players they want. It’s a simple case of supply and demand.
I can see Manchester City’s point of view as well as they want to sign the best players they possibly can and they have the funds to do so. Milner will be just one of the numerous major money signings this summer. Manchester City are playing fantasy football at the moment. What they need to remember is money doesn’t always buy you success but it will secure you the services of James Milner.
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