• Midfielder’s future remains a mystery as Villa hold talks
• England international will feature in Guadiana Cup

James Milner has been included in Aston Villa’s pre-season plans, although his future at the club is still clouded in mystery.

The England midfielder returned to training today having been given an extended holiday following the World Cup. The midfielder held talks with the manager, Martin O’Neill, at the club’s Bodymoor Heath training ground, as Manchester City line up an improved £24m bid.

A club statement read: “James Milner trained with the rest of the Villa squad today at Bodymoor Heath. He and the manager, along with chief executive Paul Faulkner and the player’s representative, Matthew Buck, had an amicable conversation and, while James will not play in tomorrow’s game at Walsall, he will fly with the squad to Portugal on Wednesday ahead of the Guadiana Cup in which Villa will compete with Benfica and Feyenoord this weekend.”

Aston VillaTransfer windowguardian.co.uk

• O’Neill ready to sell midfielder to City if clubs can agree fee
• Villa have already rejected one £20m offer from City

Martin O’Neill has said that he is ready to sell James Milner to Manchester City – if the two clubs can agree a fee for the midfielder. City have made clear their intentions to sign the England midfielder and now the Aston Villa manager has admitted that Milner wants to leave the club, according to Sky Sports News.

City have had one bid, believed to be in the region of £20m, knocked back already but are expected to make another attempt before the start of the season. Milner has yet to join up with the Villa squad, currently in Dublin on a pre-season tour, following his participation in the World Cup.

Stewart Downing recently warned Milner it would be difficult to hold down a regular place at City and that the midfielder might have to be content with being a “bit-part” player if he decides to leave Aston Villa. Should he sign for Roberto Mancini’s team, he would follow in the footsteps of Gareth Barry, who made the same move last summer.

Villa have indicated they are looking for at least £30m to let go of the 24-year-old.

Aston VillaManchester CityTransfer windowMarcus Christensonguardian.co.uk