Manchester City were today no closer to prising James Milner away from Villa after Chelsea upped their interest in the England World Cup star.

Wolves’ chances of signing Aruna Dindane are looking increasingly unlikely after it was claimed interest from a club in Qatar has been firmed up with a £3million bid.

Wolves have warned transfer target Aruna Dindane they will not be messed around as hopes began to fade of signing him.

Albion have refused to give up on signing loan star Steven Reid despite a late bid by Celtic to hijack the move.

Wolves have confirmed their interest in Aruna Dindane – but the Lens striker could be tempted away by the lure of Champions’ League football.

Villa favourite Ian Taylor believes the club’s latest meeting with Gareth Barry could prove to their former star that the grass is not always greener on the other side.

Captain Stiliyan Petrov has insisted Villa will “battle until the end” in their fight for fourth despite seeing their dream slip further away against Everton.

Villa favourite Ian Taylor believes the Champions League dream is pretty much gone again this season after failing to beat Everton on home soil.

Turn back the clock 12 months and you will find some spooky similarities between this campaign and the last for manager Martin O’Neill and his Villa team.

Former Villa star Paul Merson has warned his old club that if they think the next five games will be tough they haven’t seen anything yet.