Manchester United and Manchester City are locked in a cross-town race to seal the £24 million signing of Aston Villa midfielder James Milner, according to the Daily Star.
The report states the bitter rivals have been left alone to scrap for the England international's signature after Chelsea pulled out of the race. City are already rumoured to have bid £20 million.
Villa chairman Randy Lerner has already dismissed any talk of a move and has insisted the Midlanders are determined to keep hold of the prospect. The 24-year-old enjoyed a breakthrough season last term as his 12 goals in all competitions saw him become an England squad regular and the Professional Footballers' Association Young Player of the Year.
Sir Alex Ferguson's side can offer Champions League football, while Roberto Mancini's charges only qualified for the Europa Cup along with Villa. However, their superior financial power could still tip the balance in the favour of the Blue half of Manchester.
The report states the bitter rivals have been left alone to scrap for the England international's signature after Chelsea pulled out of the race. City are already rumoured to have bid £20 million.
Villa chairman Randy Lerner has already dismissed any talk of a move and has insisted the Midlanders are determined to keep hold of the prospect. The 24-year-old enjoyed a breakthrough season last term as his 12 goals in all competitions saw him become an England squad regular and the Professional Footballers' Association Young Player of the Year.
Sir Alex Ferguson's side can offer Champions League football, while Roberto Mancini's charges only qualified for the Europa Cup along with Villa. However, their superior financial power could still tip the balance in the favour of the Blue half of Manchester.
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