Viduka Plays A Part In Milner Future
By Nu Mad
Updated Saturday, 7th July 2007
It's ironic that James Milner passed a medical at Villa Park 12 months ago and was ready to sign on the dotted line, but Mark Viduka saying "no" to Freddy Shepherd shaped an amazing U-turn that will tie Milner down until 2014.
And add to that ... Viduka and Milner will line-up together in a season that could produce United's first domestic silverware since 1955.
Newcastle boss Sam Allardyce has received a fabulous boost with James Milner ready to commit his future to the club long term.
The 21-year-old is on holiday after playing for England at the European Under-21 Championships in Holland last month, and his agent, Mick McGuire, is close to concluding negotiations with the club over a new contract.
Milner still has two years of his existing deal to run, but is likely to sign an improved five-year contract.
Milner started his career at Elland Road, and Newcastle signed him in July 2004 in a £3.6million deal.
However, he struggled to win a regular place under Sir Bobby Robson and Graeme Souness and was sent to Villa on loan where the fans took to him. He claimed at the time he didn't want to leave Newcastle but Souness was keen to sell.
