James Milner seals £26m Manchester City move

Aston Villa’s James Milner yesterday completed his protracted transfer to Manchester City for a reported £26 million fee.

Speculation surrounding the 24-year-old’s future has been rife in recent weeks. Milner was keen to move to cash-rich City but Aston Villa were not content with the offer made for their key player.

But Villa’s valuation was met after City midfielder Stephen Ireland was included as part of the deal.

Milner will not be able to participate in City’s Europa League clash with FC Timisoara tonight. However the former Newcastle United midfielder should be available for selection against Liverpool in the Premier League on Monday night.

The 2010 Young Player of the Year highlighted the desire to win trophies as the driving factor behind his big money move to Eastlands.

“It didn’t take too much selling by the boss (Roberto Mancini) when you see the players who are already here and the plans for the club,” said Milner.

“The last thing he said to me was ‘be ready for the next game’, and then he said ‘be ready to win the Premier League’, and that’s my ultimate aim – that’s what I want to do and why I’m here.

He added: “There’s a lot of competition to get there, it’s where we all want to be. I’m ambitious and I want to win trophies here. I believe this is a great place to do that and I believe we will do it. Hopefully, sooner rather than later.”