Manchester City have launched their expected major spending spree this summer by tabling a £20million bid with Aston Villa for England midfielder James Milner - but it has been instantly rejected by the midlands club.
City launched their initial bid last night for Milner who is currently in Austria with his country preparing for the forthcoming World Cup finals in South Africa.
Twelve months ago City were successful in prising Gareth Barry away from Villa in a £12million deal and now their attention has turned to Milner.
But Villa boss Martin O'Neill would be reluctant to lose the services of Milner, who is due to hold talks regarding a new contract during the summer, and the former Celtic boss wasted no time in turning down City's offer.
A Villa spokesman said: ‘We have received an offer from Manchester City for James Milner and this has been firmly rejected.
‘We plan to sit down with James and his representative after the World Cup to agree a new long-term deal and this remains our position.’
