Aston Villa and Manchester City Reach Deal Over Milner
After one of the longest transfer sagas of the summer Aston Villa has finally agreed on terms to sell midfielder James Milner to Manchester City.
The England international will undergo a medical at Eastlands this afternoon. The exact terms of the transfer are not clear but Villa are set to receive a player, presumably Stephen Ireland, along with cash. Villa rejected a £20 million offer before the World Cup, in which the 24-year-old Milner played for the Three Lions.
“I think that Milner is a good player, an English player which is important. I think that Milner can play in different positions,” said City manager Roberto Mancini.
Milner scored in Aston Villa’s Premier League opener, a 3-0 victory over West Ham, and recieved a standing ovation from the Villa crowd when he was subbed late in the match.
Neymar Weighing Chelsea Option
Brazilian sensation Neymar is considering leaving domestic club Santos for reigning EPL champions Chelsea.
The 18-year-old striker is one of many talented, young Brazilian prospects coming out of Santos and is “having talks with his family to decide the best course of action.”
Chelsea have reportedly put a £24 million offer on the table for Neymar but Santos want an additional five million.
Bellamy Joins Cardiff City
After a public falling out with Manchester City Craig Bellamy is joining Championship side Cardiff City.
Bellamy, who is from Cardiff, was also linked with EPL teams Tottenham, Fulham, and Liverpool but decided to play for his hometown club.
“I’m thrilled to be coming back home to Cardiff and am excited at the prospect of wearing the shirt and playing for the club I’ve supported since I was a boy,” said Bellamy. “I’ll be working hard with my new team-mates to bring success to the club and look forward to our next Championship game on Saturday. I’m sure that all City fans will play their part in driving us forward this year.:
The Welsh international scored 12 goals in 40 league appearances at Eastlands.
Mancini Will Not Stand In The Way Of A Given Exit
Shay Given is looking to secure a loan deal or permanent transfer away from Manchester City after the Republic of Ireland keeper was passed over for the starting position in City’s Premier League opener.
The BBC is reporting that Fulham manager Mark Hughes, who chose Given as his number one keeper while in charge at City, is interested in the 34-year-old’s services.
Mancini said that he would like Given to stay despite admitting that Hart was his starting keeper for the time being. But he also said that he would not stand in the way of a potential move by Given.
