LIPPI: PIRLO MOVE NO PROBLEM

AC Milan midfielder Andrea Pirlo has received Italy coach Marcello Lippi's blessing to move to Chelsea this summer.

The World Cup-winning midfielder has been strongly linked with a £20million move to Stamford Bridge, where he would join his former coach Carlo Ancelotti in London.

When asked if a move to Chelsea would jeopardise Pirlo's place in Italy's squad, Lippi said: "It wouldn't be a problem, regardless of where he plays.

"A flight from London to Rome is like a flight from Milan to Rome."

Pirlo, who is under contract at the San Siro until June 2011, made 26 league appearances to help AC Milan finish third in Serie A this season.

The 30-year-old is in South Africa training with the Italian national team in preparation for the Confederations Cu

BAGGIES PURSUE DUO

West Brom are pressing ahead with attempts to sign Youssouf Mulumbu and Juan Carlos Menseguez on a permanent basis even though doubt remains over the future of manager Tony Mowbray.

Mowbray made it clear at the end of the campaign that he wanted to keep winger Menseguez and midfielder Mulumbu, whom he signed on loan during the January transfer window.

And the Baggies are to maintain that stance with Menseguez, available for around £1million from San Lorenzo, and Mulumbu who would cost around £200,000 from Paris St Germain.

But it remains to be seen whether the duo would be keen to commit full-time given it is unclear whether Mowbray will stay at the helm or move to Celtic as Gordon Strachan's successor.

The Bhoys will not be given permission to speak to Mowbray unless they meet Albion's £2million compensation figure.

And it is understood that reports north of the border claiming the figure will drop after July 1 are wide of the mark.

The £2million being asked is based on Mowbray being a Coca-Cola Championship manager as opposed to a Barclays Premier League boss.

Mulumbu and Menseguez took time to adjust to life in the top flight but showed enough potential in the final part of the season to convince Mowbray they should remain at the Hawthorns.

IBRAHIMOVIC COY ON TRANSFER REPORTS

Inter Milan striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic is unfazed by transfer rumours and admits he already knows where his future lies.

The Sweden international has been strongly linked with a move to the Primera Liga this summer with Barcelona among the clubs keen to sign him.

"I speak to my agent every day and I know already what my future is," Ibrahimovic told Swedish network TV 4 after his national team's 4-0 triumph over Malta on Wednesday.

"I prefer not to reveal it for the time being where I will play as I'd rather keep it to myself.

"I am not worried, in fact, I feel very well."

Inter denied last night they have reached an agreement with Barcelona over the transfer of Ibrahimovic.

The 27-year-old, who finished as Serie A's top scorer with 25 goals, is under contract with the Italian champions until June 2010.

NAFTI MAKES GREEK MOVE

Released Birmingham midfielder Mehdi Nafti has agreed to join Aris on a two-year contract which will keep him in Greece until 2012.

The 30-year-old Tunisian moves to Thessaloniki on the back of four years at St Andrew's where he made 84 appearances.

He was released by boss Alex McLeish at the end of last season's Championship promotion campaign.

He told the Birmingham Mail: "I am satisfied that my transfer to Aris has been completed.

"I know that I have arrived at one of the biggest teams in Greece and will try to give my all to help Aris achieve their objectives.

"I've heard about the passion of the supporters and I'm impatient to play for them."

JUVE CLOSE IN ON D'AGOSTINO

Juventus have confirmed they are in negotiations with Udinese over the transfer of Italy international Gaetano D'Agostino to Turin this summer.

The Udinese playmaker has been a target of top Serie A clubs after a great season with the Friuli outfit in which he scored 11 goals.

"With regards to D'Agostino's transfer we are only half way in our negotiations with Udinese," said Juventus president Giovanni Cobolli Gigli.

"The negotiations are long but we have a lot of hope that we will be successful.

"We just need to make sure that the amount requested and the offer we make match."

Should Juve be successful, 27-year-old D'Agostino would become the Bianconeri's third signing of the summer after Diego and Fabio Cannavaro.

DZEKO HAS HEART SET ON MILAN MOVE

Edin Dzeko admits that it is his dream to play for AC Milan but if the move doesn't materialise he will remain at Wolfsburg ruling out a move to England.

The Italian giants confirmed their interest in the 23-year-old last week but were warned off the striker by the German club.

The Bosnian international shot to club's attention after he scored 26 goals in the Bundesliga this term helping The Wolves clinch the league title.

The news should disappoint the likes of Arsenal, Chelsea and Tottenham, who have also been linked with the player, with Dzeko seemingly willing to dismiss other interest in his services if the Milan deal doesn't go through.

"My dream is Milan, which everyone knows, but I am a VfL player," he told Bild.

"However, no ones knows what will happen in 20 days. Maybe I will join up with Wolfsburg for pre-season or maybe I will be in Milan.

"Whatever happens, there are only two options."

Wolfsburg remain bullish in their stance over the frontman and insist they will not be selling him in the summer.

"We will not sell him," club official Stephan Gruhsem said. "There is no reason for us to negotiate."

He seems mature for someone still so young.

Im happy he is staying and i think he will lift cups with Arsenal.

NEGREDO OPEN TO LIVERPOOL MOVE

Alvaro Negredo has revealed that if he is forced to leave Real Madrid then Liverpool or Valencia would be great destinations, but his first choice is stay at the Bernabeu.

The 23-year-old striker has been bought back by Los Merengues after two years with Almeria and there is some confusion about whether he will stay or be sold as part of another deal.

Reports have linked Negredo with an immediate move away from the Spanish capital, but the player himself wants to show that he could be the forward that Madrid need if he is given the chance.

"I am delighted that they are going exercise it because my dream is to triumph in Madrid," he told AS.

"I still do not know what will happen, but the fact they have decided to buy me back is testament to my work over the last two seasons that I feel has been good.

"Now I want to stay with Madrid.

"He [Florentino Perez] called me to tell me of the intention to exercise the buy-back clause. He told me to rest and that when I returned we would see what happens.

"My first option is to stay, but we will have to see how many forwards there are at Madrid. For a player like me, who comes from the youth team, it is difficult to win a place.

"What I need is to play games and I want to be able to do that with Madrid."

Valencia are reported to want Negredo as part of a deal that could see David Villa head to Real Madrid and the young striker would not object if the Mestalla was his new home.

"If I do have to go then Valencia would a great option. They are a big club and they have Unai Emery as coach, who I had a great relationship with at Almeria," he continued.

"Whatever happens, if Madrid do not want me I will not see myself as a bargaining chip for them to use.

"Technically they may think that, but I would not see myself like that because I will go where I think is best for my career.

"It would hurt a bit. The club has spoken about having more Spanish players and for the time being they are showing me respect and that means a lot.

"But if they decide to sell me then I will not leave with any problems."

Liverpool have also been linked with a move for Negredo and while he has not hidden the fact he would like to play with Fernando Torres, he is not pushing for a move to Anfield.

"I have already said that I think that is a great club and it would be incredible to play alongside Torres. But I prefer not to talk about that, because for now I am a Madrid player," he added.

Bosingwa will stay at Chelsea.

UNCERTAIN FUTURE FOR BECKHAM

David Beckham has cast uncertainty over where his future lies at club level after admitting there is no firm commitment in place to return to AC Milan next season.

Beckham made his 100th start for England in Wednesday night's 6-0 win over Andorra at Wembley in a World Cup qualifier.

His form for Milan, while on loan from Los Angeles Galaxy in the final third of last season, was crucial to Fabio Capello keeping Beckham as part of his plans.

But Beckham admits there is "nothing definite" in place in terms of where he will be playing when the 2009 season with Galaxy ends.

It had been widely anticipated the former Manchester United star would return to the San Siro.

But, asked when his future with Milan will be sorted out, Beckham said: "I don't know. In the next few months. We will have to wait and see. There is nothing definite at all.

"I've got a break of four weeks. I don't go back to LA Galaxy until the 10-11 July and I'll start playing then. I'll get a couple of weeks rest and then start training again.

"I am going back to Galaxy to finish off the season and then in December I'll see where I go, whether it be Milan or somewhere else. I'll have to wait and see."

Beckham will be conscious of the need to play at a high standard ahead if he is to participate in a fourth World Cup finals in South Africa.

But he insisted: "I am not looking that far ahead. At the end of the day, I am happy to be in the squads I have been in with England.

"I am happy to have played the games I have played. It is a good squad to be in and I am happy. It is a great squad to be around and a great team to be in.

"People told me that against Andorra was my first 90 minutes for England since the 2006 World Cup and I knew it was quite a while ago.

"But I enjoy playing, whether it is coming on for 15 minutes or playing 90 minutes - especially when we perform like we have been doing."

Beckham added: "We have ended the season on a high. That is what we wanted to do. You can't get any better than seven wins out of seven. We go away for a few weeks break now and we can enjoy it.

"We still haven't qualified yet for the World Cup. We will be happy once we do that and then we can go on from there."

Beckham was delighted to have completed a century of starts for his country but is adamant he has also played an important role as a substitute.

He said: "The 100th start is special. There have been a lot of people talking about me getting 'easy' caps.

"People can say that but substitutes can come on and make a difference in a game. I've done that at times and other players have done that."

hmmm given their huge debt i can see the Man Utd owner wanting to pay off bit of the debt.. Sir Alex hands could be tied, then again he could be given £40 to blow, maybe bit more if they sell few more dead weights.

Man Utd will have few good youth team players comming through to shine on the pitch.

PLATINI: RONALDO FEE IS 'EXCESSIVE'

The £80million transfer fee for Cristiano Ronaldo has been described as "excessive" by UEFA president Michel Platini.

Real Madrid's offer for the Portuguese winger, which has been accepted by Manchester United, follows soon after the Spanish club's £56million swoop for Kaka.

Platini said in a statement: "These excessive transfers are happening almost every day.

"These transfers represent a serious challenge to the idea of fair play and the concept of financial balance in our competitions.

"UEFA are working hard with clubs to establish a new set of rules as soon as is possible to clean up the system and give it a more solid and more transparent base.

"That is our top priority today."

Earlier, sports minister Gerry Sutcliffe had called the £80million fee beyond the comprehension of the ordinary fan.

Sutcliffe, a Salford-born Manchester United fan, said the money offered by Rea highlighted the growing gap between a few rich clubs and the rest.

The minister said: "These are astronomical figure and from the wider perspective this transfer, added to the one of Kaka [for £56million], continues to give us cause for concern.

"Competitive balance is not just a UK issue now, it's a European issue especially since Florentino Perez is now bringing the galacticos back to Real Madrid.

"These figures are simply beyond the understanding of most ordinary fans.

"I am worried that a small group of rich clubs are getting richer and that does affect the balance and the opportunities for the wider game.

"It is what motivated us to write to the Premier League, FA and Football League to express our concerns about transparency and competitive balance."

Sutcliffe admitted that with Ronaldo wanting the transfer, £80million was too good a fee for United to turn down.

He added: "As a United supporter I am disappointed to see him go because he has been a wonderful player for us but I accept it's good business for the club to sign him for £12million and sell him for £80million."

Did Man Utd buy Ronaldo in 2003 for £12m?

£80m is ok, Real could earn that from his name brand within few years, same with Kaka.

Yeah something like that

Biggest bargain ever

FERGIE KNOWS BEST - MARK HUGHES

Mark Hughes is adamant Sir Alex Ferguson is only letting Cristiano Ronaldo leave Manchester United because he believes it is in the best interests of the Old Trafford club.

United have confirmed they have accepted a world-record £80million bid for the FIFA World Player of the Year from Real Madrid, with a deal likely to be concluded by June 30.

The news is bound to be greeted with some scepticism given Ferguson's previous statements on the matter, including a famous declaration that he "would not sell that mob a virus" when speculation of a deal with Real being done arose last December.

Mixed with that will be an anxiety about where United go from here, knowing Carlos Tevez is also likely to leave this summer.

But Hughes feels certain Ferguson has only made his decision because he believes the Red Devils will emerge as a stronger force.

"There seems to have been a lot of speculation about Ronaldo's future for a number of seasons, to the extent it has started to become predictable," said Hughes.

"Obviously Manchester United feel it is good business for them.

"Sir Alex Ferguson makes key decisions very quickly and I suspect he will have been very much involved in what has happened.

"He has made what he thinks is the right decision for the club and we have to respect that."

Hughes has been interested to see the positive light in which Real's approach for Ronaldo and their world-record £56million purchase of Kaka has been viewed.

The reaction compares sharply to the adverse publicity City received for their own, unsuccessful, approach for Kaka last January.

"It is a significant amount of money and I am sure Real Madrid will be very pleased with the business they have been able to do," said Hughes.

"Obviously we pursued one of the players involved and the reaction that approach was viewed in was somewhat different."

Hughes certainly does not believe Real's vast spending will have a negative impact on the transfer market, given his old club now have vast spending power, with an expectancy a replacement for Ronaldo will be brought in quickly.

"If anything, it will stimulate the market," he said.

"There is a lot of money out there now, with some big clubs eager to spend it. It should make for an interesting market now."

Former Manchester United player Frank Stapleton believes the club should not panic over the loss of Ronaldo.

Stapleton pointed out that United had sold star players in the past and had not suffered when David Beckham and Jaap Stam left the club, or when Eric Cantona retired.

Stapleton told Sky Sports News: "I feel that money will be used very, very quickly.

"When the top players have left Manchester United the actual team has not been diminished in any way, they have gone on to be stronger again.

"The Champions League final for Sir Alex Ferguson will have opened his eyes, what Man United need to do to stay top, not only in England but in Europe."

Former United full-back Arthur Albiston believes Ronaldo's exit could lead to Carlos Tevez remaining at Old Trafford next season.

Albiston, who made 485 appearances for United, told BBC Radio Manchester: "Cristiano might end up staying but I very much doubt it.

"Once the club have given him permission to speak to Real Madrid, I think that will be it and he will be on his way.

"It (the news) has not come as a great shock. There were a lot of rumours last season about him leaving.

"You do not want to hold on to a player who is not going to show total commitment to the club.

"Having said that, he has been a fantastic ambassador for the club. United have had six years out of him; supporters probably do not realise that as he is so young."

Argentina striker Tevez's loan spell runs out this summer and his future remains unclear.

Albiston added: "I don't think they can turn it (the transfer fee) down. The only problem the manager has got is to find someone to replace Cristiano given the number of goals he has scored.

"When (Ruud) van Nistelrooy left, people said the manager did not know what he is doing but Ronaldo stepped up to the plate.

"Whether this might allow them to sign Tevez now and still have money left in the kitty to get other players... the manager will not have his head buried in the sand. He will be looking and scouring the market worldwide."

Former United boss Tommy Docherty believes the Old Trafford club should "cut their (Real's) hands off" and feels they should wash their hands of the Portugal winger.

Docherty, who led United for five years in the 1970s, told Sky Sports News: "I think it's fantastic business. It was £40million, it was £50million, it was 60, now it's 80 and I think they should cut their hands off and run and don't even consider about it at all."

He added: "There is no way they would sell Cristiano Ronaldo to Real Madrid without Sir Alex Ferguson's say-so.

"I can only think Alex has come to the conclusion - and I think he's quite right - get rid of him because the same problem is going to arise next year again and the year after.

"And I sit at home giggling sometimes when managers say 'he is not available at any price' and a fortnight later he is gone.

"Every player has got a price and if a club is prepared to pay that price then he will go.

"When you fall out with Sir Alex, whatever may be the reasons - Beckham did it as well with the entourage he carried with him - they're on their way.

"You can't have this disharmony brought upon the players and the club every year and I think United - £80million - cut their hands off and give Real Madrid the problem of handling Ronaldo from now on in."

The Glasgow-born former United boss also believes there have been strains between Ferguson, Ronaldo and the player's agent Jorge Mendes.

"I think he (Ronaldo) has fallen out with him (Ferguson) once or twice," Docherty continued.

"Not Sir Alex's fault I might add, I think the problem (is) between Ronaldo and his agent Mendes that (leads to a) fall-out.

"It's every year; he's staying, he's going, he's coming, he's happy, he's not happy. You can't have that every year.

"Man United are the biggest club in the world: talk about Real Madrid and Barcelona. No, when you leave Man United you go downhill."

United and Portugal team-mate Nani admits Ronaldo will be missed but believes they have enough quality already at Old Trafford to ensure his absence is not felt too keenly.

"Cristiano's departure is not impossible to fix," he told the Portuguese press. "He will be missed but United have other players who can replace him."

Prospective team-mate and compatriot Pepe is eager to welcome Ronaldo to the Bernabeu.

He said: "I'm very happy because it is another Portuguese player who will be in Spanish football and I hope it's completed as soon as possible to have him for next season.

"The transfer has made history, but Real know Cristiano Ronaldo's potential well and the qualities he has to help the club perform."

If the transfer goes through, Madrid will have spent an unprecedented amount of money in such a short period of time following their successful pursuit of Kaka earlier this week.

It is not likely to be the end of their summer spending spree and Pepe hopes the newcomers will gel quickly to create a side capable of challenging bitter rivals Barcelona, who won the treble last season

"I hope we have a united team, with a good style of play," he added. "I hope it will be a competitive team to do well in the Champions League and go as far as possible."

Bruno Alves, meanwhile, believes his Portugal team-mate is worth every penny.

"For me he is the best in the world," he said. "I think this is his real value, if Real Madrid are prepared to pay this.

"It's good for him and I think he will do even better there."

Picture
Ronaldo - set for £80million move.

CALDERON: RONALDO MOVE IS DESTINY

Former Real Madrid president Ramon Calderon says Cristiano Ronaldo's transfer from Manchester United was agreed last summer.

Ronaldo is finally set to join the Spanish side for £80million after United accepted a bid for the Portugal winger today following protracted speculation since last summer.

Calderon, who stepped down at the Bernabeu midway through last season, stopped short of confirming a pre-contract agreement was in place since last summer but confirmed the deal was always in the pipeline.

"I think it's going to be big event for Real Madrid, he is one of the best players in the world. He is going to help my former club get titles next season," Calderon told Five Live.

"Last season United decided not to do it because they thought it was too early and everyone agreed to do it this season.

"And I think it's okay for the player - he wanted to come, he said that many times - it's okay for Real Madrid and also for Manchester United, who will get a lot of money for the transfer."

It is believed an agreement was in place since last summer for the transfer despite new president Florentino Perez now taking the credit for the coup but Calderon refused to confirm there was anything official.

"Let's say that everyone involved in the operation agreed to do it this season," he said. "That is what I can say. It has happened now, it was a bit early last season."

LEONARDO: DUO WILL STAY AT MILAN

New AC Milan manager Leonardo insists that Andrea Pirlo and Alexandre Pato are staying at the San Siro, after ruling out a possible transfer to Chelsea for either of them.

The Brazilian took over the reins at the Rossoneri after Carlo Ancelotti saw his contract ended by mutual consent last month.

Ancelotti was named as Chelsea boss just a day later and ever since a whole host of his former players have been linked with a move to Stamford Bridge.

Two names who have been mentioned more than most are Pirlo, who is rumoured to be rated at around the £20million mark, and Pato, who has already stated he will discuss his future with his former boss before he talks to Milan.

Leonardo, though, is desperate to keep the nucleus of his squad together after the sale of influential midfielder Kaka to Real Madrid for £56million earlier this week.

"They are not moving from Milan," he told La Gazzetta dello Sport.

"They are both very important for the team. They are fundamental parts of a recent victorious past, Pirlo especially."

WHELAN: RON SALE IS FABULOUS BUSINESS

Wigan chairman Dave Whelan has hailed the prospective sale of Cristiano Ronaldo to Real Madrid as a "fabulous piece of business" for Manchester United.

United have accepted a bid of £80million from the Spanish giants for the Portugal winger, who signed for United for £12million six years ago.

Some have questioned the wisdom of losing such a talented player while others have pointed to the economic sense of accepting an offer of this magnitude.

Whelan is in the latter camp while he also expressed concern at how the deal could impact the game as a whole.

He told Sky News: "When you look at this deal you think football has gone absolutely mad.

"For Ronaldo to be worth £80m is just staggering. Something has to happen in this game because things can't go on like this.

"The world record fee has just been broken while at Newcastle, the whole club can be bought for £100m."

Whelan pointed out Wigan's total income per year is much less than Ronaldo's transfer fee.

"Including what we get from the Premier League, our total revenue is just under £50m," he said.

"We have to survive, pay the wages and when you see something like this, it's a fabulous piece of business for Manchester United."

Whelan's solution to the problem of clubs in the same division enjoying vastly different revenues is to prevent clubs from wracking up huge debts and paying silly wages.

He added: "There has to be a brake on wages, you can't just keep on putting up entrance fees. Supporters can't afford some of the prices being asked.

"What is going on in football is worrying. I have been pushing the Premier League to put a complete brake on debts that clubs can incur.

"Manchester United, Liverpool and Chelsea are all in massive debt and the rest of the Premier League is in debt. There is only one club that is debt-free and that is Birmingham.

"Everyone else is carrying too much debt."

Ferguson may turn to Wigan to find a replacement for Ronaldo with Antonio Valencia linked with a move to Old Trafford.

And Whelan admitted Ferguson is a fan of the Ecuador international.

"Will Sir Alex pay a big, juicy price for Antonio? He had him watched in every game last season and he holds Antonio in high regard. There is no question he is interested.

"Sir Alex is a shrewd operator. He is the finest manager the world has ever seen. We have to take our hats off to him."

HUGHES EXPECTING MARKET TO HEAT UP

Manchester City boss Mark Hughes believes Real Madrid's massive spending spree will stimulate the transfer market this summer.

Providing Real's astounding £80million move for Cristiano Ronaldo reaches a positive conclusion later this month, almost £140million of new money will be swishing about given Kaka has already made a record-breaking move to the Bernabeu from Real Madrid.

And, as he unveiled his new £12million capture Gareth Barry, Hughes confirmed his belief that a flurry of activity can now be anticipated.

"This may well stimulate the market," said Hughes.

"There is a lot of money out there with some big clubs going to the market, so it could be an interesting time for everybody."

After getting their own fingers burned trying to lure Kaka to Eastlands in January, Hughes is interested to see the difference in attitude to Real's work.

And he notes the finance his own club will have to come up with should they eventually wish to compete on the same level.

"It is a huge amount of money," said Hughes.

"We pursued one of those players but that was viewed in a different light. I will be interested to see if the reaction to Real Madrid is similar to when we tried to bring Kaka here.

"But we have shown a willingness to attract the top players in the world and we will continue to try and do that.

"The level of investment you need to allocate is huge, which is illustrated by the deals that have been done in the last few days.

"If you want to compete in that market you have to pay that money, although there is no indication we will be doing it in the near future."

Given Hughes smashed the British transfer record to sign Robinho last August, the City chief has shown a willingness to fork out big sums himself.

However, he is convinced the money spent on Barry will ultimately prove to be a bargain even if the England star only had a year remaining on his Aston Villa contract.

"We have got a bargain because Gareth is coming into the best years of his career," said Hughes.

"He is now a senior player but I only became a stronger person when I moved somewhere else.

"His standing in the game will raise as a result of us paying a significant amount of money for him."

Hughes confirmed he sees Barry's leadership qualities and passing abilities as being best utilised in central midfield, the role he fulfils for England.

With Nigel de Jong and Vincent Kompany also excelling in that area of the field, it gives a clear indication to Hughes thinking as he looks to build a stronger unit, capable of withstanding Premier League combat.

Other targets, particularly Carlos Tevez and Roque Santa Cruz continue to be mentioned, although Hughes is shedding little light on their current progress.

"We are not going to go into speculation and hypothetical situations. It is not something worth discussing," he said.

"When good players come onto the market you have to look at each situation and decide whether it is right for you at that moment in time.

"There are a lot of players who would like to be part of what we are doing.

"We do our homework and due diligence and then make a decision on whether a player can be a Manchester City player. If so, we try to acquire them.

"But we will not specify certain individuals whether people want us to or not."

MILNER DISAPPOINTED BY BARRY EXIT

James Milner has expressed disappointment at Aston Villa losing Gareth Barry to Manchester City but is confident Martin O'Neill will bring in quality signings to replace the England midfielder.

Barry ended a 12-year association with Villa by making a £12million switch to Eastlands even though he had claimed he would seek fresh pastures to play Champions League football.

Milner, in the England squad for the World Cup qualifiers with Kazakhstan and Andorra, is a big fan of the 28-year-old and knows Barry's departure will be a big loss for Villa.

But he has faith in the rest of the squad and is backing O'Neill to make significant additions before the new season gets under way in two months' time.

Milner said: "After last summer, maybe a move was on the cards for Gareth.

"There were things being said in the media three quarters of the way through the year about how we needed Champions League football for him to consider staying.

"It's disappointing for me because you want to play with the best players and he is definitely one of them as he has proven over the last two seasons.

"I think he has improved and is even better than he was before and has moved onto the next level through playing for England. Any club losing a player of his quality and calibre is going to miss him.

"He was a major player for us. He is a top class player and it's disappointing that he's gone but we've got some top class players and I am sure the manager will bring players in to replace him."

Milner added: "Stiliyan Petrov is still here and is a great player who has just signed a new contract and will give us experience.

"Craig Gardner is always improving and will want more games. Steve Sidwell has had a bit of trouble with injuries but he is still there. There is already quality here in our squad."

Regarding Barry's decision to join City rather than seek Champions League football, Milner said: "Gareth made that decision and thought that was the best move for him.

"He has been at Villa for a long time and I suppose he has reached the point where he feels he needs a fresh start and a fresh challenge.

"He has made what he thinks is the best decision for him and he gave his all for Villa all the time he was there. He did it every day in training. He was a great example and a great player for Villa."

Milner will now link up with the England Under-21 squad for the European Championships in Sweden and will have little break this summer.

But he said: "You want to play in these tournaments because, if you are eventually picked for the senior squad in a tournament, the experience can only stand you in good stead."

HARTLEY REVEALS HEARTS INTEREST

Celtic midfielder Paul Hartley has revealed former club Hearts are interested in re-signing him.

The 32-year-old is out of contract this summer and has received interest from Hearts, as well as other sides in England and Greece.

While it is thought that he favours staying at Parkhead, he must first wait for the Scottish giants to appoint their new boss before a possible deal comes his way.

Hartley told the Glasgow Evening Times: "I've got a massive decision to make.

"You never know about staying with Celtic - but there has been no offer from them.

"But I've got a few options to consider.

"There has been interest from Hearts and I've got a few options so I'm not ruling anything in or out."

PLAYERS RELAXED ABOUT VACANCY: McMANUS

Stephen McManus insists the Celtic players are unconcerned about their board's delay in appointing a new boss.

The Parkhead club are still looking for a replacement for Gordon Strachan who departed three weeks ago after failing to win his fourth Clydesdale Bank Scottish Premier League title in succession.

Tony Mowbray appears to be the front-runner but Celtic have also been linked with Owen Coyle, Roberto Martinez and Mark McGhee in recent weeks.

With the first Champions League qualifier looming on July 28 or 29, Celtic fans are anxiously awaiting the unveiling of their new manager.

However, the Hoops' captain, who confirmed he would miss the start of the season with a knee injury, believes the players are more laid back about the situation.

He said: "I've not been following it as much as other people.

"Obviously, you are the same as everyone else, you want to see who is appointed but we will get on with it.

"As players, you are not looking at your first game, you are trying to enjoy your holidays.

"It was a long hard season and you like to take the whole of June for your holidays so none of the players are concerned whatsoever."

McManus, at Celtic Park to model the club's new international strip, added: "There have been a few names that have caught the eye but it is still early days.

"The good thing is the names that have been mentioned are all good managers and ones that you would look forward to working with.

But the players are not losing any sleep over it.

"The board have got the last two managers spot on.

"If you look at the success Martin O'Neill had, and then Gordon Strachan came in and no-one could have expected the success that he had but he has done it.

"So we are in the exact same position as when Martin O'Neill left (in 2005), we have lost the league and whoever comes in will give the place a lift."

NAPOLI: NO LAVEZZI BIDS

Napoli have denied receiving any official offers for Argentina striker Ezequiel Lavezzi.

Lavezzi has been strongly linked with a move to the Premier League this summer, with his agent revealing last week several clubs, including Liverpool, were keen to acquire the South American's services - although Reds boss Rafael Benitez has denied any interest.

Napoli general director Pierpaolo Marino said: "Napoli have not received any requests for Lavezzi from official channels. We own his contract and we have not placed Lavezzi on the market."

Lavezzi, who joined the Naples-based outfit in the summer of 2007, scored seven goals for the Serie A club this season.

The 24-year-old is under contract with Napoli until June 2012.

True real bargain, get nearly 6 years out of him and sell for £80m.. Will be along time when that happens again. :shocked: