City transfer talk: 17 August – Milner medical, Balotelli introduced, Ireland and Bellamy on their way!

Another huge day for City in the transfer market sees a deal for James Milner finally agreed with Stephen Ireland heading to Villa in part exchange. The exact breakdown of the deal isn’t clear with figures of between £16.5m and £18m said to be going to Villa plus extras. Ireland may be getting £1m for his pay-off.

Cardiff are to be congratulated on beating a host of clubs to the loan signing of Craig Bellamy.

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City transfer talk: 12 August – Milner, Balotelli, Ireland, Bellamy, Caicedo all in talks!

With the international friendlies over, it’s back to transfer dealings in what looks like being a busy 48 hours before the season opener against Tottenham.

According to the Birmingham Mail, James Milner was all set to drive up to Manchester last night, until Villa told him otherwise. A hitch regarding Stephen Ireland’s move to Villa was cited as the reason.

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What now for Milner and Ireland after O’Neill quits?

The shock resignation of Martin O’Neill as Aston Villa manager is unlikely to change James Milner’s mind about wishing to leave the Midlanders and join City. But what about Stephen Ireland’s move in the opposite direction?

A deal involving cash plus Ireland for Milner was supposedly near to completion with Roberto Mancini optimistic of having the England midfielder in his squad by Thursday. If Ireland decides he no longer wants to join Villa then City would be back to having to agree a cash only deal. This may prove trickier as each club’s valuation of Milner has differed widely.

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