Manchester City's Stephen Ireland has submitted a transfer request, according to several media reports.
The Daily Mail claims the Irish midfielder is unhappy at losing his place in the City team.
Manager Roberto Mancini is reported to be disappointed with the player’s request but is aware that Ireland has become unsettled and will listen to offers in the region of €12 million.
Ireland, a former Republic of Ireland international, was voted City’s player of the year in 2009.
RTÉ soccer pundit Eamon Dunphy said the news came as no surprise.
'It’s been obvious all season that he is not in [Roberto] Mancini’s plans. At 23, he needs to be playing,' said Dunphy on RTÉ's Morning Ireland.
'He’s a very, very good player and, at that price, he’s a bargain if the right club come for him.'
'I think he’s a player with a real contribution to make and I would say it’s an indictment of the manager of Manchester City that he cannot find a role for him.'
Defender Richard Dunne would welcome Stephen Ireland to Aston Villa if his time at Manchester City comes to an end.
The Republic of Ireland international made the same move last summer and amid speculation that Ireland could follow him to Villa Park, would be happy to see him do just that.
Speaking as he launched the Football Association of Ireland's Goal to Work programme in Kilinarden today, Dunne said: ‘He had a bit of a stop and start season last year after the previous season, when he was unbelievable.
‘I think Stephen would say himself that he wants to get more games and play more regularly, and if that's not at Manchester City, he would be more than welcome at Villa.
‘Everyone in the Premier League knows on his day how good he can be, and he would be a great addition to any side.’
