Steven Ireland in talks with Villa

[Brede Butter Pudding]

http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,11661_6304554,00.html

Skysports.com understands Stephen Ireland is in talks with Aston Villa over a possible move from Manchester City.

Ireland has been linked with a move to Villa as part of the deal to take James Milner to Eastlands.

City are closing in on the signing of long-term target Milner and they are believed to be ready to offer £8million-rated Ireland in part-exchange for Milner.

Ireland's future at City has been the subject of speculation for some time with the 23-year-old struggling to hold down a place in Roberto Mancini's side last season.

The arrivals of David Silva and Yaya Toure have pushed Ireland further down the pecking order at Eastlands and the introudction of 25-man squads in the Premier League appears to have made the midfielder surplus to requirements.

Villa are keen on bringing the former Republic of Ireland international to Villa Park, despite the departure of Martin O'Neill earlier this week.

Ireland is believed to have held talks with Villa officials on Tuesday as he weighs up a move to the Midlands.

If Ireland agrees to make the move to Villa it could help pave the way for Milner to move in the opposite direction.

[Mr Fulham]

As I said - it will be a swap deal.