Manchester City ready to raise bid for Aston Villa's James Milner

Manchester City are set to return to Aston Villa with an offer in the region of £24m for James Milner and at the same time make it clear that they have no intention of meeting the Midlands club's asking price for the England international, which is closer to the £30m mark. City, who had a £20m bid for Milner rejected in May, remain determined to sign the former Leeds United trainee but are prepared to turn their attention elsewhere if Villa stick to their higher valuation. Milner held talks with Villa about his future before heading to the World Cup and is not due to return to the club until 25 July, after being given an extended break following his return from South Africa. Villa are keen for the 24-year-old to extend his stay at the club but they have yet to make a new contract offer to improve his existing £45,000-per-week deal. City would be in a position to offer double that sum.