Milner agrees Villa deal

Four-year deal for England Under 21 star

By Peter O'Rourke   Last updated: 29th August 2008

James Milner Newcastle

Milner: Villa new boy

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Aston Villa have announced the signing of James Milner from Newcastle.

The England Under 21 international has penned a four-year deal at Villa after passing a medical at Villa Park.

Newcastle were resigned to losing the winger after he handed in transfer request following the club's refusal to offer him an improved contract.

Villa have been leading the chase for Milner all summer with the club having already seen one bid rejected for the former Leeds starlet.

Everton are also believed to have made a move for Milner, but were put off by Newcastle's asking price.

Villa finally agreed an undisclosed fee with Newcastle late on Thursday after lengthy negotiations and the player was given permission to travel to Birmingham for a medical and discuss personal terms.

Villa boss Martin O'Neill has been chasing Milner since he enjoyed a successful spell on loan in the 2005/06 season and he has now finally got his man.

The news is a blow for Newcastle boss Kevin Keegan who was keen to keep Milner and had called on the club to offer the midfielder a new deal to secure his future.