Soccer:Stephen Ireland will receive around €1.2 million in compensation from Manchester City after finally agreeing to join Aston Villa as part of the deal that will see James Milner head in the opposite direction.
City's revolving doors continued to spin today with Milner arriving at Eastlands for a medical before sealing a move from Villa in a package worth about €30 million – Villa will receive €20 million plus Ireland.
City manager Roberto Mancini told a news conference that he expected Milner's transfer to be completed shortly, which would bring the club's summer spending to over €140 million.
"We can close it either today or tomorrow," Mancini said. "I think that Milner is a good player, an English player which is important. I think that Milner can play in different positions."
Asked if the deal would involve Ireland, who had been sent to train with the reserves as he held out for a larger settlement, moving to Villa Park Mancini added: "I hope so."
Mancini also conceded he would respect Shay Given’s decision to leave were the Republic of Ireland keeper, now behind England youngster Joe Hart in the pecking order, to look for first-team football elsewhere.
“I hope he (Given) will stay with us because we are in four competitions,” Mancini added. “But I respect his wishes if he wants to leave.”
Arsenal had explored the possibility of bidding for the City goalkeeper
but City would not countenance selling to a club with whom they will be challenging for a Champions League place.
Instead, a move to join up with former City manager Mark Hughes at Fulham appears more likely for the Donegal man.