Thursday Aug 31 2006 11:28
Newcastle United have given James Milner permission to talk to Aston Villa about a permanent move.
The versatile 20-year-old spent last season on loan at Villa Park and was one of the few players to impress during the club's disappointing campaign.
A change of manager has done nothing to lessen Villa's interest in re-signing Milner and Martin O'Neill is confident of securing his services before the transfer window shuts on Thursday evening.
Newcastle's decision to allow the England Under-21 international to leave represents a major change of heart from manager Glenn Roeder, who had previously insisted the player was a key part of his plans for this season.
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