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Milner completes Manchester City move

James Milner's goal against West Ham proved to be his farewell to the Aston Villa supporters

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James Milner's move from Aston Villa to Manchester City has been finalised, with midfielder Stephen Ireland moving in the opposite direction.

The much-protracted transfer sees Milner arrive at Eastlands in a reported £18 million deal, plus Ireland, with the England midfielder likely to make his debut against Liverpool next Monday.

Milner had been a target for Roberto Mancini for some time and the City manager's continued pursuit of the 24-year-old was thought to have played a role in former Villa boss Martin O'Neill's recent departure from the club.

After completing a medical late on Tuesday, Milner was at City's training ground and stadium on Wednesday to finalise the deal, which sees him take the number seven shirt previously worn by the departing Ireland.

Mancini admitted he was delighted to finally capture a player who he has been tracking for months. "I am very happy to have James with us, everybody knows we have admired him for some time," Mancini said. "He is an excellent midfielder, who can play in a number of positions.

"This is important for the team, and I am looking forward to seeing him play for us. We have a very strong squad, and this signing is a very important one for us.

"James he is already a very good player, who has proved he can play at the very top level. But he is also young and a good character, I think he can also improve and be a great player for Manchester City for a long time."

Ireland also completed his transfer to Villa, leaving after eight years at City. He emerged through the club's youth system, scoring 23 goals for the club and claiming the City Player of the Year award in 2008-09.

Speaking on Ireland's departure, Mancini said: "I hope things go well for Stevie at Villa. He is also a very good player, and he has played a big part in City's history. I think he will enjoy the change of being at another club, and I hope he does well for Aston Villa."

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