MANCHESTER CITY are to continue their pursuit of James Milner and have also contacted Aston Villa about the potential availability of his team-mate Ashley Young. City have been encouraged to believe Milner has set his mind on joining them and that he may even agitate for a move if the issue threatens to drag on over the summer.

Milner is City’s top target but it has emerged that when Brian Marwood, the club’s football administrator, spoke to Villa before the end of the season to inquire about the midfielder, he also asked about Young. Marwood was told neither player was for sale but that did not stop City from making a €23 million offer for Milner on Wednesday, which was rejected.

City’s information is that Milner, despite his public diplomacy, wants to follow the same route as Gareth Barry, having decided he stands a better chance of winning trophies at Eastlands.

Young’s future at Villa also remains unclear, although City have yet to follow up their initial interest in the winger. It appears extremely unlikely Villa would allow both to leave.

City fully expected Villa to resist their opening bid for Milner and are prepared for a lengthy battle. Their financial position is so immense they could feasibly go as high as €35 million. In an attempt to keep Milner Villa have indicated a willingness to bring forward contract talks scheduled for after the World Cup. The player is also understood to be keen to hear what Villa have to offer before he travels to South Africa. It is likely discussions will be held during a 36-hour break from England duty which follows Monday’s friendly against Mexico at Wembley.

Milner has replaced Fernando Torres as the principal summer target for City, who consider the Spaniard’s Liverpool team-mate Steven Gerrard out of reach.

Guardian Service