25.05.2010
Dunne warns Milner to beware Man City switch
Aston Villa defender Richard Dunne has warned James Milner he risks becoming a bit-part player if he moves to Manchester City.
Republic of Ireland star Dunne knows from bitter experience that life at big-spending City can quickly turn sour and he fears Villa team-mate Milner could suffer the same fate.
The 30-year-old decided to quit City and join Villa last year after being told he was likely to be forced onto the bench at Eastlands as the wealthy club splashed out on a host of new signings.
Milner could go in the opposite direction from Villa Park to City after Roberto Mancini's side tabled a 20 million pounds bid for the England midfielder.
Villa snubbed that offer but City are likely to return with an improved fee which could persuade Dunne's team to sell.
Dunne said: "Manchester City is a really big club now, but I suppose the problem they will have is they will have a lot of top players - 20 million pounds is nothing to them.
"It's just another player really, so it's whether you are going to get enough game time.
"But I am sure with James, he is a very, very sensible fella and very clever, so he will make his own decision."
Milner has established himself as one of the English game's rising stars since his switch from Newcastle to Villa, and the 24-year-old played a major part in the club's sustained challenge for a top-four finish last season.
For that reason, Villa are desperate to hang on to him amid concerted interest, although Dunne knows money could eventually talk.
Dunne said: "That's the big thing. We want to progress as a club, but there are always bigger clubs, I suppose, with more money who can offer him maybe Champions League football, so it will be difficult.
"But if things don't work out and James does have to leave, the manager has been really good in the transfer market and will spend his money well.
"We have already got the likes of Fabian Delph there, who is going to become a really good player.
"As much as we want to keep James, we know we he is a much sought after player and it might prove difficult."
Source: © 2010 AFP - Adrian Dennis
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