Milner and manager O'Neill on collision course over Villa exit talk

24 July 2010 00:19
James Milner is set for a face-to-face showdown with Martin O'Neill over the row which appears to have soured his relationship with Aston Villa supporters.[LNB] The 24-year-old England international has attempted to contact his boss during the past 24 hours with little response following the furore over the alleged stance that has caused a backlash among angry Villa fans.[LNB]Milner is furious that he has been described as wanting to quit the clubafter Manchester City's £20m bid earlier this summer was rejected by Villa's boss. The pair are now set for a confrontation on Monday to sortout their differences.[LNB] Angry: Milner wants answers[LNB] Details of a meeting held by O'Neill, owner Randy Lerner, chief executive Paul Faulkner, Milner and his representative were revealed by the Northern Irishman yesterday, citing the midfielder.[LNB] That version of events is hotlydisputed by both Milner and his agent and the player will ask for the reasons why his manager has chosen to slant publ ic opinion against him.[LNB] Conversations were held behind the scenes yesterday between Milner's agent and Faulkner but player and manager have yet to speak.[LNB] Milner is currently enjoying a golf break but will return to the club's Bodymoor Heath training base on Monday after his extended leave of absence following the World Cup.[LNB] However, he will take the first available opportunity to front-up his boss as Roberto Mancini raised the stakes just a little higher by confirming his interest.[LNB] 'Milner is a good player,' he said, 'buttoday he is an Aston Villa player. If we had the chance to sign him, I think we should. But we must wait now.'[LNB] With a £24m bid imminent from Eastlands, O'Neill needs to make a decision on whether Stephen Ireland should be included in any deal. Villa's boss appears to be softening in his stance towards some kind of player-exchange.[LNB] Another player who also does not appear to fit into O'Neill's plans anymore is defender Luke Young.[LNB] No response: O'Neill has eluded Milner[LNB] The former England international, signed just two seasons ago from Middlesbrough for £5m, was left at home as Villa travelled to Ireland to play Bohemians in a friendly today. Young played in the first competitive match of the season, against a Basingstoke XI last week, but was not included for the friendly against Peterborough 24 hours later.[LNB] Young has three years left on a contract worth in excess of £2m per season.[LNB] [LNB]  That salary level has made it difficult for Villa to move on the player, who has nonetheless attracted interest from both Fulham and Sunderland.[LNB] The reasons why the right back has fallen so spectacularly out of favour at Villa Park are unclear. The supporters gave him a standing ovation when he warmed up on the touchline during Villa's final match of last season against Blackburn Rovers.[LNB] But it seems that he is now fighting a losing battle to start this season, with Spaniard Carlos Cuellar expected to continue in Young's preferred position.[LNB] The 31-year-old former Spurs trainee is thought to have had a £3m price tag on his head, but he may have to take a drop in wages if he is to attract serious attention from any suitors in the Barclays Premier League. [LNB] Milner would be a superb signing, insist Manchester City starsMilner chaos: Villa star denies O'Neill claim that he wants to join Man CityManchester City target James Milner wants to leave Aston Villa, admits Martin O'Neill[LNB] [LNB]  

Source: Daily_Mail