Villa were today facing an anxious wait to discover whether their defensive crisis has deepened after Richard Dunne suffered an injury scare.

Villa midfielder James Milner’s summer-long transfer saga was on the verge of ending today as his £26m Manchester City move neared completion.

His playing squad might essentially be the same as last season – but boss Martin O’Neill has still discovered plenty from Villa’s pre-season trip to Portugal.

Martin O’Neill today insisted James Milner’s injury won’t halt any move to Manchester City – as Gareth Barry urged his England team-mate to sort out his future.

Manager Martin O’Neill has admitted he can offer no guarantees James Milner will be a Villa player next season – but insisted he will give his all for the club if he stays.

Villa star James Milner’s transfer saga took a fresh twist today after potential makeweight Stephen Ireland emerged as a target for Sunderland.

James Milner’s transfer trail took a new turn today amid reports of Tottenham joining the race for the player who has returned to training at Villa.

Villa boss Martin O’Neill is expecting “great interest” in Ashley Young over the next fortnight – but has no intention of letting the winger leave.

Villa boss Martin O’Neill has admitted England star James Milner wants to leave.

Martin O’Neill’s senior players trust the Villa manager to deliver the goods in the transfer market this summer.