O’Neill admits Milner is set for Manchester City move

Aston Villa manager Martin O'Neill appears resigned to losing James Milner to Manchester City.

The Irishman expects the England midfielder to complete a move to Eastlands once the two clubs agree a fee.

Villa rejected a £20milion bid from City before the World Cup and are looking for £30m for the former Leeds and Newcastle star.

O'Neill left Milner out of his side that faced Valencia in a pre-season friendly on Friday night and admitted: "We didn't play him against Valencia as there could be something happening in terms of the transfer over the weekend or Monday or Tuesday.

"Until that possibly develops I thought it best to leave him out of the Valencia game.

"To my knowledge, no fee has been agreed but talks are taking place involving our chief executive and the chairman.

"I think for everyone's benefit it is probably time to try and get something done.

"Losing your best players at the club obviously causes you a headache and it is a problem.

"It happened two years ago with Gareth Barry when it was not resolved. I'm sure that no-one wants to go down that route again.

"If and when the transfer takes place I will have to speak to the chairman about future transfer dealings."