Thursday Feb 23 2006 09:22
Aston Villa boss David O'Leary has indicated his first move on the transfer front this summer will be to try and buy James Milner on a permanent basis.
The Newcastle midfielder has played a big role for Villa since joining on loan, with uncertainty over his future at St James' Park since the departure of Graeme Souness.
Although Villa were unable to afford any new signings during January's transfer window, O'Leary is hopeful that a deal can be struck to make the switch permanent.
Speaking to the LMA's official website, O'Leary admitted: "I really, really hope for the Villa fans, that we can keep him at Aston Villa because I think he would be tremendous for us to have.
"He's made for The Premiership, in my opinion. He's got a great engine, can get and up and down the field, has great willingness to work and is fantastic for what the Premiership is about."
Meanwhile, midfielder Mathieu Berson is set to end his Villa Park nightmare by completing a £1million summer move to Auxerre.
Although the 26-year-old has two years to run on his Villa deal, he is expected to depart in the summer and join the club he is currently on loan at.
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