Milner Rocks Magpies With Transfer Request

Newcastle United have been rocked by a formal transfer request from winger James Milner, who starred in last night’s pulsating 3-2 extra-time Carling Cup victory over Coventry City at the Ricoh Arena. Milner scored one and made another, but has been on Aston Villa’s wanted list all summer.

James Milner, the 22-year-old Newcastle midfielder, wants to leave the club before Monday’s transfer deadline.

Only last night, after the Coventry game, manager Kevin Keegan said of the former Leeds United youngster: "James has a three-year contract with us at the moment. I don't even want to talk about losing James Milner.

"He's a very important player for us, and I think he's worthy of a call-up to the senior England side. He's been too long in the Under-21s. Once you've played 30-odd games for the Under-21s, you deserve a crack at the big time."

However, today the club released an official statement which revealed that because of the player’s clear wish to move away from St James’ Park they are prepared to consider any offers for Milner that match their asking price.

“Newcastle United can confirm that it has received a written transfer request from James Milner,” read the statement.

“The club is very disappointed that James sees his footballing future as being away from St James’ Park.

“He is a valued member of the squad and it is only a year ago that he signed an improved long-term contract.

“We have yet to receive an offer for James that has matched our valuation of the player.

“However, should such an offer be received then the club would be reluctantly forced to consider it, given James’ apparent desire to leave.”

This is goin 2 be a very big blow for Newcastle if Milner leaves , he is one of the most important player and he has a constant performance rate.

i dunno why would he trade Newcastle 4 Aston Villa , i can see if he asks 2 move 2 a bigger club like one of the big 4 but why Villa , they aint any better than Magpies.

This request will have 2 push newcastle back in the market lookin 4 a replacement 4 James Milner , we should look at SWP who looks like he want out of Chelsea as well n chances may increase 4 both Malouda n SWP 2 leave Chelsea if Robinho arrives.

Milner Had 'No Option' - Agent

James Milner's agent has claimed that his client was forced to request a transfer from Newcastle United after the club refused to renegotiate his current contract...

Milner shocked the Magpies yesterday when he demanded to leave St James' Park, only a day after steering his side to a thrilling Carling Cup win over Coventry City.

The Tyneside club released a statement on their official website declaring their disappointment with the 22-year-old's decision, highlighting the fact that he penned a new long-term contract only last year.

But that deal was actually agreed in 2006 when Milner was a fringe player, meaning his wages pale in comparison to most of his fellow first-teamers.

And Mick McGuire, the player's representative, insisted that the former England under-21 star was left with no choice but to seek an exit given Newcastle's unwillingness to enter contract talks.

No Option

"I note the comments on the [Newcastle] website, the contents of which disappoint me because James Milner was left with no option, in his opinion, but to formally ask for a transfer following the club's total refusal to offer him a new contract," McGuire, who is the deputy chief executive of the Professional Footballers' Association, told The Guardian.

"The contract which was signed a year ago was agreed more than 11 months before that, when they refused to let his transfer to Aston Villa go through on deadline day [in August 2006]. A new deal was agreed in principle and it took until the following July to be established.

"In that time James has played two seasons in Newcastle's first team and he was asking for a [salary] figure that reflects that. James feels that his salary does not reflect his value in the market."

Newcastle appear to be wholly unimpressed by Milner's attempts to increase his pay-packet, and even more so by his insistence on leaving after his wishes were denied.

But McGuire claimed that the Toon's total refusal to even discuss a wage rise demonstrates a lack of appreciation for the former Leeds United winger's efforts over the past two seasons.

Development

"He was simply asking for an improvement that reflects his development," added McGuire. "Having played over 50 games last season and 160 games in the Premier League, he believed his improvement warranted a new contract.

"It was made clear on two occasions there was not going to be a new contract. Therefore he felt that he was left with no option."

Milner is expected to join Aston Villa on Monday, as the Midlands club have bid £10million for the man they took on loan during the 2005-06 season.

i think he deserves an improved contract , he was one of the most important players in Newcastle last season n definatly is ryt now.lettin him go will be a terrible decision.

i dunno if Guitarrez can play on the ryt wing or not cause if he does it wont be that big of a problem.
either Guitarrez plays on the ryt n Duff on the left or vice versa.

Keegan: Milner Sale Was My Decision

Newcastle United manager Kevin Keegan has spoken out over James Milner’s transfer to Aston Villa, and revealed that it was his decision to move the winger on.

The ex-Leeds United midfielder signed four-year deal earlier today at Villa Park, for a fee believed to be in the region of £10million.

The 22-year-old had grown frustrated at the Magpies’ refusal to renegotiate his contract at the club, and submitted a transfer request.

His wish has been granted with the move to Martin O’Neill’s ambitious outfit, but the Newcastle manager insists that he had the final say on Milner’s future.

Keegan had been keen to retain the services of the England under-21 international, but nevertheless sanctioned the move.

He told the press: "He's a player, in an ideal world, you would not want to lose, but I just want to make it absolutely clear that at the end of the day, it was my decision to sell him.

"We got an offer that I feel was his value. We are all aware James has had a difficult time - he almost signed for them once before [two years ago while on loan] and was dragged back.

"But he has always behaved impeccably. He's a fantastic professional, and there's no doubt about it, they've got an outstanding player and we have got to move on."

wise decision by Keegan cause if the player wanna leave then u must let him go especially that u got the ryt offer 4 him.