Source: Daily_Mail
Martin O'Neill expects big guns to bid for Aston Villa star James Milner
In the spotlight: Milner[LNB]Martin O'Neill admits it would be no surprise if the Premier League top clubs showed an interest in Aston Villa midfielder James Milner. [LNB]But the Villa manager insists there was no bust-up with chairman-owner Randy Lerner over unfounded reports that Milner was to be sold to Manchester United. [LNB]And, while his own future may be in doubt, O'Neill is also adamant that Lerner is not set to quit the midlands club. [LNB]O'Neill said: 'There was a story that I had fallen out with the chairman because of a supposedly imminent transfer of James Milner to Manchester United. [LNB]'James would be worthy of playing in a side like that. I wouldn't think for one minute that top clubs wouldn't be interested in James Milner. [LNB]'He has been splendid for us this season but there is not one ounce of truth in the story. It is ludicrous.'[LNB]O'Neill has spent a net £80million on new players in his four years at Villa. [LNB]He believes those players have increased significantly in value should Lerner ever decide he wants to leave Villa. [LNB]But O'Neill is confident that is far from the case with Lerner who also owns NFL side Cleveland Browns. [LNB] He said: 'Since I arrived here four years ago, I've invested £80m of the chairman's money and if he wanted to sell some of those assets - which he has not intimated at all - he would get that money back, and with a bit of interest as well. [LNB]'If you wanted to let four or five of the top quality players leave this club, you would get your money back but that has not been Randy's notion and I think he is trying to think about improving Villa Park as well. [LNB]'I don't think he is ready to walk away or worry himself unduly about his investment at all because he knows it is there on the pitch. We have a number of top quality players at this club.'[LNB] I could quit Villa - O'Neill boss in shock threat to owner Lerner and supportersCompetition: Win Tottenham or Aston Villa FA Cup semi-final ticketsDead-beat Aston Villa are too tired for top four trip to the sunYou're on the plane, James! Capello all but confirms Milner for World CupASTON VILLA FC
