That's the problem with the english game.....above average
players and they are worth a bomb. Not even world cup stars like
forlan, ozil, muller, sneijder are worth that much. Maybe players
like iniesta, xavi, torres etc are worthy contenders.
By Soccernet staff
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July 22, 2010
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Roberto
Mancini appears ready to make a new bid for James
Milner after Aston Villa manager Martin O'Neill confirmed the
player wants to join Manchester City.
GettyImages
James Milner has two years remaining on his
contract
City saw a £20 million bid for Milner, 24, rejected earlier this
summer, and boss Mancini has now indicated he will return with a
renewed offer for a player who Villa are thought to value at £30
million.
"Milner is a good player, but today he is an Aston Villa
player," Mancini told Sky Sports News. "If we have this
chance [to sign Milner] I think we can take him, but we must wait
now."
City goalkeeper Shay Given, a former team-mate of Milner's at
Newcastle, believes the midfielder is a quality player.
"I worked with James at Newcastle and he is a very, very good
player, but we have got some great players already," said
Given.
Patrick Vieira has also welcomed City's pursuit of Milner: "He
[Milner] is a terrific player. Of course it is not my place to say
if he has to come or not but when you look at players we have
around it will be good. The attraction of City is that the future
is fantastic. We have a really competitive team and I think every
single player will want to play for City because the future is
bright for City."
Earlier on Thursday, O'Neill had explained: "I had a
conversation with James before the World Cup and he intimated that
he would like to go at that time.
"I haven't spoken to him since. I know there have been
conversations with his agent and our chief executive. Manchester
City have made an offer for the player but certainly there is a
difference in valuation, but I'm sure things will get resolved.
"James is due back next week after an extended stay after the
World Cup - the same as the rest of the World Cup players like
Emile Heskey, Stephen Warnock and Brad Guzan. They are all due back
next week and I imagine things will get resolved one way or the
other in the very foreseeable future."
Milner has two years remaining on his contract but is reported
to have refused to discuss an extension.
