Aston Villa manager Martin O'Neill has resigned as manager, O'Neill's patience have finally run out after being told that he will now have access to funds that will be received from the sale of James Milner to Manchester City which is due to be completed this week. O'Neill had been at the helm for four years with Villa, steadly building up his team each season but with being told he will not have access to funds to improve the squad and with five days before the start of the season this will come as a big blow for the fans.
But it now seems that Villa are selling off their best players with Gareth Barry leaving for Manchester City last season and both James Milner and Ashley Young look likey to be on their way out with Tottenham leading the chase for Young, Chairman Randy Lerner will be flying back to the UK today to hold a meeting with the first team players hoping to convince the players to stay. Martin O'Neill has always been a man about principle so it is safe to assume that he did not walk out on Aston Villa because he was not offered a pay rise.
Former England manager Sven-Goran Eriksson has been installed as bookies favourite to take over at Villa and Eriksson as always expressed his desire to return to the Premier League.Sven currently not in charge of a club after leaving his post as Ivory Coast manager after the World Cup could be tempted to join Villa.
Sources close to the 62-year-old said: "Of course, Sven would be interested in this job.
"He has always said that he would like to go back into the Premier League. It is a big target for him."
Manchester City have finally agreed a deal with Aston Villa to take James Milner to Eastlands with Stephen Ireland going the other way, this transfer deal saga has dragged on long enough have now been agreed with both parties and this deal can finally be confirmed. City have made no secret of their desire to sign James Milner this summer, but with former manager Martin O'Neill leaving his post at Villa, the move was going to be delayed.
