Friday May 19 2006 10:34
Aston Villa manager David O'Leary is adamant that loan star James Milner wants to move to the Midlands club on a permanent basis this summer.
The 20-year-old former Leeds United midfielder impressed at Villa Park last season, having been allowed to leave Newcastle United on a season-long loan.
O'Leary is desperate to tie up a permanent move for the England Under-21 international, who asked for assurances that the Irishman would not be leaving the club in the near future.
O'Leary told PA Sport: "It is not just me. He worked under assistant manager Roy Aitken at Leeds. Roy had him under his wing as a kid.
"His mum and dad know us. He said if he was to commit himself to a four-year contract, he wanted assurances about us.
"I've said to him I've got two more years left here of my contract and I expect to be here for that two years.
"When his people were in there talking to the club, they got those assurances themselves.
"Everyone knows what I think about James and we hope a deal can be done, but as I have always said, the ball is in Newcastle's court. He is their player.
"We have spoken to Newcastle and know the fee involved and hopefully we can get a deal done. James has told me he wants to come here."
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