Jimbo jet-set on leaving Villa

Today brought the first indication that James Milner will be on the move this summer after all, with Villa manager Martin O'Neill revealing that our old boy handed in a transfer request prior to the World Cup. Man City had a £20m bid rejected around that time, but will surely be encouraged by Milner's apparent desire to be reunited with England colleague Gareth Barry.

Of course, we're familiar with Milner's tactics, having experienced exactly the same situation back in August 2008. And what's in the move for us? Nothing, as it's claimed that a proposed sell-on clause was removed by Jabba and Dennis Wise to tempt Villa into meeting our asking price. Which would mean City won't be inadvertently topping up Chris Hughton's piggy bank. Shame.