Milner: Thursday 48 hour deadline is set for City move
According to widespread reports, a frustrated James Milner has set a 48-hour deadline for Manchester City to secure his transfer from Aston Villa.
At Rapid Vienna on Thursday, Milner is willing to play in Villa’s Europa League play-off match 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.
Kevin MacDonald, Villa caretaker manager 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.”
For most of the summer, City has been pursuing Milner and last week appeared to be on the brink of getting their man. Stephen Ireland, their own player has refused to agree to head in the other direction unless he receives a £2 million pay-off, which City is not willing to offer.
To match Villa’s valuation, the cash-rich Manchester club could yet come back with a cash-only offer if Ireland continues to be a stumbling block. Milner wants it resolved – one way or the other – before Thursday’s match and he is sick of waiting to know his future.
On Saturday, Milner played for Villa in their opening Premier League fixture, starring and scoring in a 3-0 home win over West Ham. From the home fans, Milner received a standing ovation, so he would not see another season at Villa Park as an undesirable option.
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