The long-running saga over James Milner’s future could be concluded within the next week but Aston Villa defender Richard Dunne has issued a stark warning to the winger (Aston Villa 15/2 to finish in the Top Four).
On Thursday, Villa boss Martin O’Neill admitted he would be willing to sell Milner if the club’s valuation of the player was met. In a statement on the club’s official website, he revealed that Milner and his agent came to see him before the World Cup to ask for a transfer away from Villa Park. Eastlands appears to be Milner’s most likely destination.
O’Neill’s announcement means that the ball is back in Manchester City’s court and it is believed that an offer of approximately £30million will be needed in order for them to land the winger. City had an offer of around £20million rejected in May.
Dunne made the opposite move last summer and accepts that Milner’s spell at Villa Park is most likely over. However, he has issued a stark warning to the player, urging him to think wisely before he leaves the Midlands club bound for City.
The issue is particularly personal to Dunne as he left Eastlands because City could not guarantee him the regular football he craved. Since moving to Villa, he has upped his game and has become an impressive stalwart in the side’s back line, making 35 league appearances for Martin O’Neill’s outfit last season.
Dunne told Sky Sports News that he fears the same situation could greet Milner as the one which forced him out of Eastlands. He also expressed a fear that City’s chances of winning the league could be blinding the player (City 4/1 to win Premier League).
He said; “Obviously we’ll miss James because he’s been brilliant, but we have to move on and the manager will build again.
“James will know that because he’s joining a big club, a club that wants to win the league, that he’ll be part of a squad.
“At Aston Villa he will play every week and at Manchester City he may not, but it’s an opportunity he probably thinks to go and win the league.”
It is believed that City will make their move soon but boss Roberto Mancini has given no indication over whether he will step up his attempts to sign Milner after O’Neill’s announcement.
Speaking during City’s pre-season tour of America, Mancini said; “Milner is a good player but today he is an Aston Villa player.
“If we have a chance we could take him, but we must wait for now.”
With City set to sign a raft of other stars between now and transfer deadline day, Dunne’s fears could be substantiated.
Milner was one of England’s few shining lights during the World Cup and the fear for fans of the national side is that a lack of first team football could be detrimental to his England form.
However, the meteoric rise of Adam Johnson at City proves that these fears may perhaps be unfounded. Only time will tell should Milner make the move he so desperately craves.
Bet on the World Cup and get £200. Click here to visit Bet365 and claim your free money.