Aston Villa: Manchester City latest on James Milner
Rumours persist that Manchester City are set to renew their interest in James Milner and preparing to return with an improved offer.
Reports, apparently based on sources from within Eastlands, say City will go up to £30million for Milner, who started for England against USA on Saturday but was substituted in the first half.
The first bid, flatly refused by Villa before the World Cup, was thought to have been for £18million with £2million of add ons.
Villa have repeatedly insisted that their star midfielder is not for sale - and will not name a price for him as a result.
The 24-year-old held talks with Villa before flying out to the World Cup and has said he was flattered by interest from City. He has yet to commit his future to Villa, saying he wanted to focus on the World Cup for now.
The reports suggest that the deal he would be offered at Eastlands would be for five years, for £100,000-a-week.
Milner is just one of a number of high profile targets City are being linked with on a £130m shopping list.
Brazilian right back Daniel Alves is also on there, along with Yaya Toure and David Silva.
