Martin O'Neill to play the waiting game over Newcastle United's James Milner

Aug 23 2008

MARTIN O’Neill will have to wait until Wednesday to see whether Newcastle will give in to his pursuit of James Milner.

Kevin Keegan will hold a meeting with the Magpies’ board this week where his priority will be the issue of a new contract for England striker Michael Owen.

But Milner’s role at the club will also be discussed which will leave Villa waiting in the wings for the outcome of those discussions.

Villa have already had a £9 million bid rejected for their top target but are refusing to give up on the England Under-21 star who has remained in O’Neill’s sights ever since he arrived in the West Midlands.

Keegan is keen to keep hold of the midfielder but he may be unable to stop his board turning down a big money offer from Villa.