MARTIN O’Neill has revealed that he is prepared to sell James Milner after he has voiced his desire to leave Aston Villa and head for a lucarative contract at Manchester City.

The Eastlands’ big spenders have already lobbied a �20million offer, which was swiftley rebuffed by the Villa Park manager, saying he will only sell when the price is right.

With O’Neill reportedly valuing the midfielder at �30m, the Eastlands club will have to up their spending to grab one of their main transfer targets.

“There is a question mark over James Milner,” said O’Neill. “I had a conversation with James before the World Cup and he intimated that he would like to go at that time.”

Villa had offered him a new deal, which would have seen him become the club’s highest ever earner, but with the England World Cup star turning it down he seems set to join previous team-mate Gareth Barry who joined City for �12m last summer.

However, Manchester City manager Roberto Mancini does not want his club to be exploited for their big spending.

“When Manchester City want to buy a player, other clubs ask much more than is normal,” said the Italian. “This is not good and it is not right,” he said.