Aston Villa have rejected a bid from Manchester City - believed to be £20 million - for James Milner.
City launched their expected major spending spree this summer by tabling the offer for England midfielder James Milner this evening.
But Villa are determined to hold on to Milner and reiterated their desire to hold talks over a new long-term contract with the 24-year-old after the World Cup.
Milner is currently in Austria with his country preparing for the forthcoming finals in South Africa.
Twelve months ago City were successful in prising Gareth Barry away from Villa in a £12million deal and now their attention has turned to Milner.
But Villa boss Martin O'Neill would be reluctant to lose the services of Milner and the former Celtic boss wasted no time in turning down City's offer.
A Villa spokesman said: "We have received an offer from Manchester City for James Milner and this has been firmly rejected.
"We plan to sit down with James and his representative after the World Cup to agree a new long-term deal and this remains our position."
Milner has just enjoyed a successful season in a central midfield role and was recently crowned the PFA Young Player of the Year.
He is currently halfway through the four-year contract he signed when joining Villa for a club record £12million deal from Newcastle in the summer of 2008.
England coach Fabio Capello recently said Milner was "the future" of English football and he has made massive strides under O'Neill.
Manchester United and Chelsea have also been linked with the player who first burst to prominence as a 16-year-old with Leeds.
Milner's big upturn in fortunes coincided with O'Neill deciding to switch him from a wide right role into the centre of the park midway through last season.
It was an inspired move with Milner helping Villa reach the final of the Carling Cup, the semi-finals of the FA Cup and the top six of the Barclays Premier League.
Villa would be keen to hold on to Milner as they look to push for a Champions League spot next season after a third successive top-six finish.
Club owner Randy Lerner stated only last week in his annual media briefing at Villa Park he was hopeful of the player remaining at Villa.
But there is no doubt Milner has become one of the hottest young properties in English football and his value could soar even higher if he has a successful World Cup.
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