Manchester City hope to complete Milner move, Kevin Jones survives injury scare
Manchester City manager Roberto Mancini hopes that the ongoing transfer saga of James Milner would be completed by this week.
The Aston Villa midfielder has long been speculated to move to Manchester City. His desire to move to Eastlands was also, one of the reasons that led to the resignation of Villa manager Martin O’Neil. The deal is believed to be a swap, where Stephen Ireland would make the move to Aston Villa. Earlier it was reported that Ireland would go to Inter Milan when Balotelli was to make a move to Manchester City but now he will be swapped for Milner.
It is believed that the terms of the deal have been agreed upon between the two clubs. Milner is set to make his journey to Manchester for a medical to complete his long due move.
Mancini said that he is hopeful that the deal would be completed on Wednesday. He was speaking at a press conference when City manager unveiled his latest signing, Mario Balotelli from Inter Milan.
Mancini said that Milner is a player with a lot of potential and would make an excellent addition to the squad. He said that the fact that James Milner is not a one dimensional player and can play in various positions in the midfield.
James Milner was one of the bright spots in an otherwise disappointing World Cup campaign for England. He replaced Aaron Lennon on the right side of the wing and made an instant impact in a crucial match against Slovenia when his cross led to the winning goal.
Meanwhile, there is good news for the Stoke striker Kenvin Jones. According to latest medical reports, the former Sunderland striker may be able to get back in action in a few days following ligament damage to his right ankle.
Earlier it was feared that he would be out for several months, when he suffered an injury against the Wolves on Saturday.
Jones, who was signed by Stoke for 8 Million from Sunderland, could only play for 10 minutes in his first match for the club. He was taken off when he suffered an injury following a challenge from Jody Craddock.
Jones was quickly sent to the hospital and several x-rays and scans were conducted. Stoke manager Tony Pulis, said that he was hugely relieved that his player did not suffer a long term injury as it was feared earlier.
Pulis said that it was great news because they were expecting the worst. He said that Kenvin Jones is very important to their new season campaign and that is the reason they had bought him in the first place. Pulis said that the tests are very positive and the damage to his ligament is minor. He said that his fitness would be assessed during the next few days and he would be brought in action gradually over the next few days.
Stoke City play their next match against Tottenham this weekend at home. Jones is not likely to play in that match, but Pulis said if by then he is back to full fitness he may be considered as a substitute in the 2nd half.
In some other news from the Premier League, Mannuel da Costa, West Ham’s defender, has said that he has no plans of moving away from London and is enjoying his time with the Hammers. The Portuguese international has been an instrumental player for West Ham and ended last season with a crucial goal in the 2-2 draw against Everton.
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