Source: Team_Talk
O'Neill mulling over Milner replacement
Martin O'Neill is mulling over a replacement for James Milner, and admits fourth spot "seems to be getting further away" for Aston Villa.[LNB] The 24-year-old has been strongly linked with a move to Manchester City, with O'Neill revealing that the England international expressed a desire to leave before the World Cup.[LNB]City have already seen one bid for the former Leeds and Newcastle player knocked back, and Villa say they will only sell him at the right price.[LNB]O'Neill admits that it will be tough to replace Milner, and believes it will be a blow if he does end up leaving the club.[LNB]"If we do end up losing a player like Milner, it won't make it easier," he said in the Mail on Sunday.[LNB]"You have to replace him, replace his ability and experience, and do it instantly yet do it with someone of probably less value. That is tough."[LNB]City have splashed the cash on a number of players so far this summer, and have outspent every other top-flight club by a considerable amount.[LNB]O'Neill admits it is becoming harder to compete with the Eastlands oufit, and is pessimistic on his side's chances of breaking into the top four next term.[LNB]He added: "Just when you think your team is getting there, getting close to fourth spot, City appear on the horizon with all this money. It seems to be getting further away.[LNB]"Well done Spurs for getting into the Champions League - but up until their second last game, they could have finished anywhere from fourth to seventh.[LNB]"Top four remains a possibility but to win the title, you need to have the squad. City will have 28 or 29 top-class players available."
