Source: Team_Talk
O'Neill 'irked' by Milner's City link
Martin O'Neill has dismissed speculation linking Aston Villa midfielder James Milner with a £24 million summer move to Manchester City.[LNB] Milner, who has two years left on his Villa contract, has also been tipped as a target for Manchester United.[LNB]But Villa, who paid £12 million to sign Milner from Newcastle United two years ago, plan to open contract talks with him at the end of the season.[LNB]Commenting on the Milner rumours, O'Neill said: "It is irksome at this stage of the season.[LNB]"It doesn't do anyone any favours particularly because the player has had a fantastic time and is enjoying his football immensely here.[LNB]"He has had a really brilliant time, particularly since moving into the middle of midfield and I am delighted for him.[LNB]"James is still under contract with us and it's a case of dampening fires that weren't there in the first place.[LNB]"We want the best players to stay here at Aston Villa so we can keep the momentum going.[LNB]"But I have kind of accepted it now.[LNB]If it is not James it will be Ashley Young and if it is not Ashley it might be Richard Dunne and then someone else the following week."[LNB]O'Neill also denied he knew of any contact from City about the prospect of Milner moving to Eastlands in the summer.[LNB]"It has got ridiculous now and I can categorically say that I have not heard anything from Manchester City," he said.[LNB]"I spoke to my chief executive late Monday evening and he never mentioned it so I assume they have not been in touch with him either.[LNB]"You almost get the impression that stories are put in there to kind of upset you at this stage of the season.[LNB]"It was interesting to hear Arsene Wenger talking about Barcelona and having to rebuff stories about someone who was under contract at Arsenal.[LNB]"They are having to get Barcelona to make statements about them not coming after a player."
