The Manchester City Project

James Milner has travelled up the M6 to have a medical and conclude the protracted transfer saga. Stephen Ireland has also travelled to Bodymoor Heath to have his medical. Aston Villa are reported to receive £18 million plus add-ons plus Stephen Ireland (Birmingham Mail).

Now that Aston Villa have accepted Manchester City's offer the clubs will officially announce the deal after the medicals are complete and the players sign. Therefore club statements are expected within the next few hours.

Earlier at a press conference at Eastlands Manchini said; “I think Milner is a good player, an English player which is important. I think that Milner can play in different positions. We have today and tomorrow to close the deal.”

The pressure was on to close the deal because Milner would be cup tied if he played for Villa in Europe and also because of the friction being created by the length of the negotiations.