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According to reports Aston Villa and England midfielder James Milner is set to push through a move to Manchester City in a £25 million deal, despite interest from Premier League champions Chelsea. Would Milner be making a mistake by forcing a move to Eastlands?

The Daily Mail and The Sun have reported that Milner has been quick to make up his mind since England crashed out of the World Cup against Germany in South Africa and is set to sign an £80,000-a-week deal with Roberto Mancini’s side.

A Citizens source said:

“It’s not signed and sealed yet but we are confident it’s a done deal. Things are now moving fast and we are hoping to wrap everything up by next week.” (Daily Mail)

I think a deal between Villa and City for the player would be a deal which would be bad for both parties.

Milner has made his name at the Villa Park club mostly impressing in a central midfield role alongside Stiliyan Petrov, which earned him a place in Fabio Capello’s 23-man squad for the World Cup.

It is hard to see where Milner will fit into a Manchester City midfield which includes Gareth Barry, Nigel de Jong and many believe Yaya Toure will be an imminent arrival. Does Manchester City need Milner, or should they opt for someone a little more creative (as that is the area they are struggling with most in my opinion)?

From the 24-year-old midfielders point of view a big move to the Sky Blues doesn’t mean instant success either. Perhaps he should look at former Villa skipper Barry, who left for bigger and better things but only managed to finish just the three points above his former club last season…still outside of the Champions League places.

As for the claret and blues’ point of view, former player Paul Merson believes they should only be considering a “stupid” offer for the PFA Young Player of the Year as Villa will need their best players if they have any ambitions to break the big four.

Merson said:

“If they sell Milner I think they can write the top four off. It would be a miracle to get in the top four the season after you sell one of your best players.

“It’s worrying. I’d have said give us £50million if you want him, otherwise he’s staying. It’s stupid money but that’s the way it’s got to be.”

Perhaps the former Arsenal man is exaggerating slightly, but Villa need to maximise the profit out of the transfer to remain competitive and should really be looking to include a player like Stephen Ireland in the deal.

Ireland has his problems but is a talented player who can thrive under the right manager and looks set to leave Eastlands after he was so publicly criticised by his manager Mancini. If Villa could pull out a player + cash deal then they could be onto one of the bargains of the summer.

As for Milner, I think the best place for him to progress but hope he will continue to improve should he go to Manchester City much like Adam Johnson, who could count himself a little unlucky not to feature in Capello’s World Cup squad after a great season with both Middlesbrough and City.

Do the Manchester City fans think that Milner is worth the money and is what the club needs?

How do the Aston Villa fans feel about any potential deal, how much do you think the player is worth?

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Follow me on Twitter: ajwilliams1987

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Click on image below to see the PORTUGUESE babes at the World Cup

Newcastle United manager Chris Hughton has tipped Kevin Nolan to fire his side to Premier League survival next season, following their Championship title-winning showing last term.

Nolan joined the St James' Park outfit from Bolton Wanderers in January 2009 and, although he couldn't help the Magpies keep their top-flight status, he played a major role in helping them return at the first attempt and Hughton is backing him to impress this time around

Speaking to Newcastle Chronicle, Hughton said:"He's a big player for us.

"He was a big part of what we achieved last season. All the players are the same – there's a genuine excitement to be back in the Premier League.

"We'll need him to be a big player again. It was unfair on Kevin the last time round.

"He came from Bolton and he'd just had a small ankle operation. He wasn't able to play at the level he's capable of playing at.

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"It was hard for Kevin, but last season we saw, regarding fitness and goals, what he can do."Subscribe to Football FanCast News Headlines by Email

Javier Hernandez or the ‘Little Pea’ has had football fans talking of late, particularly in the red half of Manchester. The excitement that now surrounds his move to Manchester United has largely silenced those who called for a big name signing whilst questioning the club’s financial ability to do so. Signed from Mexican side, Chivas de Guadalajara in a deal thought to be around £7 million, United insist their pre-emptive actions secured a relative bargain that is rarely acquired in today’s bloated transfer market. The player’s style has earned him comparisons with club legend Ole Gunnar Solskjaer for his predatory goal-scoring instincts, quick movement and confidence in front of goal. Could the ‘Little Pea’ soon be Manchester United’s next ‘Baby-faced Assassin?’

Javier Hernandez came off the bench in United’s pre-season friendly against the MLS All-Stars on Thursday to score a sumptuous goal. He used his intelligence and sharp movement to exploit the space between the opposition defenders, controlling Fletcher’s through ball and promptly lobbed the onrushing goalkeeper. The attacker assimilated to the pace of the game without hesitation, giving a lively performance in which he tested the opposition keeper prior to his debut goal and won a free-kick which Darron Gibson expertly converted.

If pre-season form cannot be considered a reliable appraisal of a player’s potential, fans only have to cast their minds back to his performances for Mexico at this year’s World Cup. He excelled on the biggest stage of all, heaping more misery on the French squad by putting his side ahead against Les Bleus in their group stage encounter in Polokwane. In this game he came on as a substitute and rapidly repaid the faith of his manager by peeling of the last defender precisely at the right moment and rounded Hugo Lloris to score. In Mexico’s second round defeat to Argentina it was down to Hernandez to provide some form of consolation for his team. Finding space in the box he was able to turn Martin Demichelis and unleash a bullet shot with his left foot into the top corner. In these matches he displayed his numerous attributes, including the ability to find space, utilise his pace to unsettle defences, time a forward run and finish coolly with precision.

These enviable skills have drawn comparisons with Ole Gunnar Solskjaer. This hero of the Stretford End was hitherto unknown before joining United but briskly announced his arrival with a goal on his debut against Blackburn. He was habitually used as an impact substitute during his years at Old Trafford and displayed a special knack of scoring late goals. Scoring these goals in important games became his forte as he had the ability to sniff out the slightest chance which he would invariably convert with a deadeye finish. The Norwegian was not always the perennial super-sub but he often had to use his versatility to secure a starting place. Adept at playing on the wing, Solskjaer displayed his talents not only as a goal-scorer but also as a provider. His highlights reel will forever show the four goals he scored in twelve minutes against Nottingham Forest and his instinctive injury time finish to hand United victory against Bayern Munich in the 1999 Champions League Final.

Hernandez’s traits invite comparison with the Norwegian who achieved so much at the club. Namely, the ability to make an impact, evade defenders, use pace and finish clinically. The confidence of the manager and expectation of the fans is there but the player may not simply walk into the starting line-up. United have various attacking options and Hernandez may have to demonstrate his flexibility before finding his own role in the club’s attack. Should he need any tips whilst reading the game from the bench ahead of making an impact he could do worse than consult the club’s reserve team manager, Solskjaer , for advice.

With the PL season nearly upon us, let’s see the WAGS that will be keeping the players on their toes. Click on image to VIEW gallery

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Sevilla's Brazil striker Luis Fabiano is adamant that he will remain in Spain this summer, despite continuing talk of interest in him from Italy and England.

The 29-year-old South American has been heavily linked with AC Milan again this summer, but Fabiano insists that he is solely focused on his current club.

He told AS:"My future is with Sevilla. I have never thought about leaving this year. I have had some offers, but I never considered leaving Sevilla.

"In reality, no-one ever looked for me and I have forgotten about Milan.

"From my point of view, they didn't come in seriously for me. They promised a lot of things, but they didn't fulfil those promises. It's a great club, but that's in the past.

"Therefore I am staying with Sevilla. I have won plenty here and this is a fundamental moment in my career.

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"A (contract) renewal? There is no rush. I have an excellent relationship with my club and I am sure we will reach an agreement."Subscribe to Football FanCast News Headlines by Email

Mido has never been the most docile of footballers. His latest antics have cost him a transfer to Turkish side Kayserispor, and after being frozen out at Middlesbrough, it is a blow to his chances of playing football this season. After hearing that Kayserispor were interested in his services, Mido took it upon himself to make an impromptu trip to visit the club’s facilities, presumably to see if they met his high standards. They did, but the club were very unhappy with the unexpected visit and their spokesman has now said the deal is off, Suleyman Hurma is quoted in the Daily Mail;

“It took Mido around two months to consider our offer which is a very long time. Now he come without invitation after buying the plane tickets himself. Mido might be a good player but he is arrogant and has serious attitude problems. We are not going to sign a player with such attitude. I hope this will be a lesson for him.”

It is perhaps no surprise that Mido has scuppered this move, but what is disappointing with his career is the sense of wasted talent that surrounds him.

In the early days of Mido’s career he was considered one of the top young prospects in Europe. After starting his career at Egypt’s Zamalek and Belgian side Gent, Mido was transferred as a teenager to Dutch giants Ajax. Here he displayed both his talent, and his challenging personality. At Ajax he averaged a goal every other game, but was frequently criticised by coach Ronald Koeman and at one point was dropped to the reserves, reportedly there was also an incident where Mido threw a pair of scissors which narrowly missed Zlatan Ibrahimovic’s head. Despite his actions Mido was being linked with top clubs throughout Europe, and made a move to Marseille. It did not work out, and a year later he was plying his trade at AS Roma. Again he failed to settle, but a loan move to Tottenham Hotspur appeared to get his career back on track.

The Egyptian striker was impressive at Spurs, using his power and heading ability to cause problems for Premier League defences. He seemed to be settled, but when Spurs made the transfer permanent his form tailed off badly. He then made a move to Middlesbrough where he failed to impress, and was subsequently sent on loan to Wigan, Zamalek and West Ham all at which he struggled. Middlesbrough have made it clear they no longer want Mido, but if he repeats behaviour with regard to the Kayserispor transfer they might find it difficult to offload him.

Mido has some great attributes, he is big, strong good in the air, he can hold the ball up and at times he has shown some good finishing skills. The Egyptian is still only 27 but his career already seems dead in the water. His behaviour has not been good, amongst other misdemeanours in England he failed he once failed to report for pre-season training for a fortnight at Boro. West Ham were only willing to pay him £1,000 a week during his loan move, a sign of how he is now viewed in English football. Mido is easily young enough to get his career back on track, but he will need to radically alter his attitude if he wants to have success in his future. He does have the ability, he proved that at Spurs, whether he has the attitude, that is far more doubtful.

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Click on image below to see the gallery of Mario Balotelli’s stunning girlfriend

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A catastrophic fortnight has seen Arsenal lose two of their most influential players to long term injuries. Arsene Wenger must be absolutely cursing his misfortune, especially given the significance of Robin van Persie and Theo Walcott to the Gunners’ attacking third.

This week at FFC we have seen a mixed bag of blogs that include…Van Persie must think he is cursed; Wenger vendetta and what more can George Graham do.

Plus we have taken a look at the best Arsenal stories on the Web this week.

VIDEO: TOP TEN Screamers

Arsenal and Man United are living proof that the set-up can work

Premier League clubs take advantage of the new breed of Brazilian

Wenger vendetta? I don’t think so.

Van Persie must think he is cursed

Abou Diaby is ‘not quite’ Patrick Vieira

What more can George Graham do?

Time that Cesc Fabregas moved on

What does a Celebrity Football Fan say about a club?

Should Wenger be going Dutch for Afellay?

The TOP 15 career defining moments

Caption Competition: Why is Theo Walcott shedding a tear?

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Best of Web

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Madrid show Arsenal how to spend recklessly and make it work – Le Grove

Should Arsene take a page out of Chelsea’s book? – Online Gooner

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Tough times ahead for Arsenal?? – Highbury House

Defensive Pessimism Is A Bigger Problem Than Injuries – A Cultured Left Foot

What to do about Robin Van Persie? – Online Gooner

Monty Python, Life of Brian – ‘let he who has never sinned cast the first stone’ thwack! Muuuum! – Le Grove

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A welcome addition to the Premier League’s Wag arena – Click on image below to view gallery

The Liverpool nightmare that has been Hicks and Gillett finally appears to be at an end as NESV have taken the reins of the football club. Looking at the forums it appears opinion is split as to whether they are the right men to take control at Anfield, given the offer that was on the table from Peter Lim.

This week at FFC we have seen a mixed bag blogs which has included…£300m deal offers Liverpool hope, Fernando Torres dilemma and the unlikely hero in Liverpool’s sorry saga.

Plus we have taken a look at the best Liverpool stories on the Web this week.

The Premier League WAGS Arena just got better

£300m deal offers Liverpool fresh hope

Top 10 Most Famous Liverpool Supporters

The Fernando Torres Dilemma

The unlikely HERO in Liverpool’s sorry saga

SIX of the Best – Merseyside Derby moments

The least of Liverpool’s worries at this moment in time

Liverpool’s FIVE starlets ensure the nation’s future is a bright one

Should Liverpool repel transfer approach or cash in?

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Best of Web

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TOP 5 Liverpool January Transfer Targets? – Live4Liverpool

Support the Red Men – This is Anfield

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Strange Days Indeed – Kopblog

The Rob Jones Interview – Well Red

Victory for common sense, defeat for conmen – Tomkins Times

Who’s in the wrong position? Glen Johnson or Roy Hodgson? – Live4Liverpool

Manchester United set one foot in the knockout phase of the Champions League this week with a professional performance from the club’s second string in Turkey against Bursaspor. United have yet to hit top gear so far this season, but another win at home maintained the Red Devils’ unbeaten start to their Premier League campaign.

The week has not been without controversy for Sir Alex Ferguson’s men. Portuguese winger Nani hardly covered himself in glory with his contentious goal at Old Trafford last weekend, and Wayne Rooney was spotted breaking a few rules of nutrition on a boozy birthday holiday. Ferguson will be keen for a break from the media glare after the intensity of the last few weeks.

This week’s top blogs have jumped on stories linking some of United’s old guard with big money moves to the Middle East. There are also entries concerning the potential of some of the side’s rising stars and concerns expressed about the issue of player loyalty in the wake of Rooney’s contract renewal.

We also have the best of what the web has to offer.

Featured articles of the week

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Will Nani ever fill the hole?

Is this the catalyst behind Manchester United’s title challenge?

WAG Weekly – Man United starlet scores a beauty!

A final pay day for United’s finest?

Manchester United stars set to cash in?

Ten things we have noticed from the Premier League this season

Smalling making big leaps at Manchester United

Manchester United starlet finally coming of age

Spurs, Liverpool, United…whose need for Real Madrid swoop is greater?

The Spanish solution to Arsenal and Manchester United’s pending problem

Is Wayne Rooney’s plight ultimately a blessing in disguise?

An important FACT that is lost on most Premier League players

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Click here to see the Best MANCHESTER UNITED around the Web this week

Best of the Web

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Rio has the X-Factor- The Busby Way

Carrick’s return welcome but only if it lasts- United Rant

A Salute to Sir Alex- The United Religion

EXCLUSIVE: Liverpool vs. Man United – Transfer spending comparison: 1990-2010 – Liverpool Kop

Karel Poborsky: what could have been?- The Busby Way

Stoke City boss Tony Pulis has called on the club's fans to back his side to the hilt in tonight's Premier League clash with Birmingham City.

The Potters have slipped into relegation danger after a run of poor results, although Pulis believes a series of refereeing errors have not helped his team's cause.

Stoke have lost five successive matches in all competitions and Pulis is determined to end that dismal sequence, telling The Sentinel:"After the Manchester United game (Gary Neville's non-sending off) there was a lot of disappointment and people being vocal.

"Then after the Everton game (Tuncay's disallowed goal) there was a lot of disbelief and a lot of things were said.

"But on Saturday (Lee Cattermole's handball on the line) there was complete silence and that shows how much these decisions can affect the dressing room.

"I will be getting into the players but we also need the fans right behind us.

"What's happened over the last few weeks has galvanised the club. It's brought everybody back to the reality that to get through this we have to be as one.

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"Maybe we'd got a bit complacent, but this will liven everybody up because we're in a scrap. What we've got to do, as a club and as a crowd, is roll our sleeves up and start picking up points.

"I think supporters have a right to stand up for their club. They pay good money to watch their team and have every right to complain about some of the decisions we've received."Subscribe to Football FanCast News Headlines by Email

Wayne Rooney has apologised to the Manchester United fans for the manner of his new contract negotiations last month.

The England international, who says he would never sign for Manchester City, threatened to leave United because of their lack of ambition, before penning a lucrative new long-term deal.

He said:"I feel like I've apologised to the fans but everyone keeps saying that I haven't. If that's the case, then I apologise for my side of things.

"I've made my point clear since I signed my contract that I'm committed to this club for the long term. I want to be successful here. Everyone is saying that I was definitely going to Manchester City. Believe me if I had gone it wouldn't have been in England.

"I spoke with the manager and (chief executive) David Gill. They reassured me the club was moving forward and from that it took maybe two or three hours to negotiate my contract and sign it.

"It wasn't a distraction to my football because I haven't played that much but it was a distraction overall. I am just happy it is all over now. I want to put it behind me and look forward.

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"Mentally I have been okay. Because the football has not been going well and other things have happened, everyone has put it down to not being mentally strong enough. But I am.

"Obviously the most important thing for me at the minute is to play and score goals."Subscribe to Football FanCast News Headlines by Email