Aston Villa midfielder James Milner is ready to reject a move to either Manchester United or Manchester City, after reportedly telling a close friend he wants to join Liverpool, according to the News of The World.
Villa rejected City's advances earlier this week, after the Citizens tabled an offer of £20 million, with manager Martin O'Neill keen to hold on to the reigning PFA Young Player of the Year.
However, sources close to Milner have reportedly told the tabloid: "Being born in Leeds, there is no way James wants to play for Manchester United.
"His preferred Premier League club in Liverpool."
With manager O'Neill linked with the post at Anfield, should Rafael Benitez leave, it would be a heavy blow for Villa to lose both their coach and star player.
A source close to O'Neill is quoted as saying: "Martin doesn't want to start the summer feeling like he's pushing a rock up a mountain because the club have let Milner go too cheaply.
"This is a player Villa have turned into an England international, who has been one of the most consistent players in the Premier League and who has discovered a whole new role in central midfield thanks to Martin.
"To let somebody of that quality and stature go without a fight and at a price City believe is a bargain would be counter-productive.
"Nobody at Villa wants to see Milner leave and the club will speak with him before he goes to the World Cup about a contract extension.
"But if his heart is set on leaving, then Villa must get the absolute top price for him."
With City set to renew their interest this week and make an improved bid, it remains to be seen how much longer Villa will be able to hold on to their man.
Villa rejected City's advances earlier this week, after the Citizens tabled an offer of £20 million, with manager Martin O'Neill keen to hold on to the reigning PFA Young Player of the Year.
However, sources close to Milner have reportedly told the tabloid: "Being born in Leeds, there is no way James wants to play for Manchester United.
"His preferred Premier League club in Liverpool."
With manager O'Neill linked with the post at Anfield, should Rafael Benitez leave, it would be a heavy blow for Villa to lose both their coach and star player.
A source close to O'Neill is quoted as saying: "Martin doesn't want to start the summer feeling like he's pushing a rock up a mountain because the club have let Milner go too cheaply.
"This is a player Villa have turned into an England international, who has been one of the most consistent players in the Premier League and who has discovered a whole new role in central midfield thanks to Martin.
"To let somebody of that quality and stature go without a fight and at a price City believe is a bargain would be counter-productive.
"Nobody at Villa wants to see Milner leave and the club will speak with him before he goes to the World Cup about a contract extension.
"But if his heart is set on leaving, then Villa must get the absolute top price for him."
With City set to renew their interest this week and make an improved bid, it remains to be seen how much longer Villa will be able to hold on to their man.
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