Villa reject City bid for Milner

Manchester City have launched their summer spending spree by offering Aston Villa £20million for England midfielder James Milner – an ofer instantly rejected.

Milner is currently in Austria with the England squad, preparing for the forthcoming World Cup finals in South Africa.

The 24–year–old has just enjoyed a successful season in a central midfield role and was recently crowned the PFA Young Player of the Year. He is currently half way through the four–year contract he signed on joining Villa from Newcastle in 2008. Manchester United and Chelsea have also been linked with the player.