Source: Telegraph
Manchester City to make final £27 million bid for Aston Villa midfielder James Milner
The Eastlands club have already had a £20 million offer for the England midfielder rejected, but the Daily Express says City will return with a much-improved bid over the coming days in the hope of tempting Villa. [LNB]Roberto Mancini wants Milner to form a key part of his new-look squad for next season and, having secured an £11 million deal for centre-back Jerome Boateng, has asked the club's Abu Dhabi owners to increase their offer for the 24 year-old. [LNB] Related ArticlesCity's ambitions convinced J?me Boateng to signManchester City sign Jerome BoatengMaicon wants Real Madrid moveWorld Cup puts transfer deals on holdManchester City set to miss out on David SilvaSport on televisionMilner enjoyed a successful season in a central midfield role at Villa Park and was crowned the PFA Young Player of the Year. Manager Martin O'Neill would be reluctant to lose the services of the former Leeds and Newcastle man, and is said to be holding out for an offer of £30 million. However, £27 million may well prove too much to turn down, although any deal is likely to have to wait until the conclusion of the World Cup. [LNB]Meanwhile, Marseille are reportedly ready to sign Roque Santa Cruz from City after the injury-prone Paraguayan striker failed to force his way into Mancini's plans. [LNB]The Daily Mail says the former Blackburn striker is top of Marseille manager Didier Deschamps' summer wish-list and City may be prepared to let the 28 year-old leave for a cut-price £8 million. [LNB][LNB]
