ASTON Villa boss Martin O’Neill is tired of speculation linking star man James Milner with a summer move away from Villa Park.

ASTON Villa boss Martin O’Neill is tired of speculation linking star man James Milner with a summer move away from Villa Park.

The England international has recently been linked with a �24 million move to Manchester City while Manchester City are also said to be interested.

But O’Neill said he is determined to keep the player, who arrived from Newcastle in a �12 million two years ago.

Commenting on the rumours, O’Neill said: “It is irksome at this stage of the season. It doesn’t do anyone any favours particularly because the player has had a fantastic time and is enjoying his football immensely here.

“He has had a really brilliant time, particularly since moving into the middle of midfield and I am delighted for him.

“James is still under contract with us and it’s a case of dampening fires that weren’t there in the first place.

“We want the best players to stay here at Aston Villa so we can keep the momentum going.

“But I have kind of accepted it now. If it is not James it will be Ashley Young and if it is not Ashley it might be Richard Dunne and then someone else the following week.”