Aston Villa manager Martin O’Neill has revealed the strongest hint yet that James Milner will not be a Villa player much longer.

The Irish manager said that he had a meeting with the England midfielder, who is wanted to Manchester City, and was told of his desire to leave.

“I had a conversation with James before the World Cup and he intimated that he’d like to go,” said O’Neill.

“I’d imagine things will be resolved in the foreseeable future.”

The Villa boss added: “City made an offer but it did not meet our valuation.

“I’m sure matters will be resolved soon. James is back next week having had extended holiday.”

Milner had a fantastic season with Villa last term scoring 11 goals in 47 games from midfield, his best seasons return for the Midlands club. He has scored 17 goals in 90 appearances since his £12m move from Newcastle United in 2008.

“I had a conversation with James before the World Cup and he intimated that he’d like to go,” said O’Neill.

“I’d imagine things will be resolved in the foreseeable future.”

The Villa boss added: “City made an offer but it did not meet our valuation.

“I’m sure matters will be resolved soon. James is back next week having had extended holiday.”

However Villa captain Richard Dunne has backed O’Neill to replace Milner should he decide to leave for Manchester City this summer.

“It’s part of football,” said Dunne. “He has had a great season so teams are going to be interested. If a club is going to offer enough money then players will move on.

“The manager has proven he can pick out a good player and usually, like James, he has bought them for a cheaper price than what he sells them for.

“The club will miss James who has been brilliant but we have to move on and the manager will build again, I suppose.

“James will know, because he is moving to a big club which wants to win the league, that he will be part of a squad. At Aston Villa he will play every week, at Manchester City he may not.

“But it’s the opportunity where he thinks he can go and win the league.

“Man City is great club and he will enjoy himself there. Team-wise it’s going to be difficult for everyone to get in the team.”

Villa have already been linked with Milner’s replacement in former England midfielder Scott Parker.

West Ham co-owner David Sullivan said this week: “Aston Villa will not have enough money to tempt us to sell Scott Parker – he really is not for sale.”

Jon Osterland