Milner in talks with villa Aston Villa have confirmed James Milner is travelling to the club to hold talks over a move from Newcastle United. The former Leeds United winger spent last season on loan with the West Midlands outfit as part of the deal that took Nolberto Solano back to the North East. Milner impressed during his time at Villa Park, netting three goals in 33 appearances during the 2005/06 season. The 20-year-old will now hold talks with new Villa boss Martin O'Neill on Thursday with a view to thrashing out terms before the close of the transfer window. Milner should become O'Neill's second capture in charge at Villa following the arrival of Stilian Petrov from Celtic on Wednesday. taken from skysports.com
Having confirmed that we were prepared to sell James Milner to Aston Villa earlier today, Newcastle then promptly did a U-turn (as did the player) and recalled him to SJP a few hours later. No official reason has been given for this change of heart, but common sense suggests that the cash we were looking to bring from selling Milner is now no longer required - as we've failed to clinch an incoming transfer deal. All of this will hardly do wonders for Milner's self-esteem, as he's been now packed off to the West Midlands against his will twice in as many seasons by two different Newcastle bosses. So at this point in time, we've managed so far today only to royally pee off one of our players who in our eyes has tried his knackers off so far this season - and that despite being linked with half of the Premiership since his return from loan at Villa. Well done. Meanwhile a glum-looking Mark Viduka and his representative sat in the car park at Boro's training ground. Waiting for the phone to ring? or listening out for the welcoming chimes of the ice cream van..... The F.A.B was widely tipped as our transfer target, but current club Middlesbrough (who had reputedly turned down a deal involving Milner 24 hours before) were having none of it. Speaking at the Woodgate press conference, smogs Chief Exec Keith Lamb commented: "Mark is an important part of our plans and he's staying at Middlesbrough." Lamb also hinted that a delay in completion of the Huth deal was due to Chelsea being otherwise engaged in transfer business - presumably Ashley Cole's move from Arsenal. Meanwhile Milner's U21 colleague David Nugent sits at Preston, unclaimed - so far. We're off a for lie down - more new lies and misinformation here as they are dreamed up.
