Gareth Barry might have turned James Milner's head, fears Aston Villa old boy Steve Hodge

Jul 4 2010 by Mathew Kendrick, Sunday Mercury

ASTON Villa and England old boy Steve Hodge fears that James Milner’s head might have been turned by Gareth Barry on World Cup duty.

Manchester City are closing in on a £28 million deal to take Milner to Eastlands despite Martin O’Neill’s hopes of holding onto his star midfielder.

But Hodge reckons that spending time talking to Barry and Co with England in South Africa might have had an influence on Milner’s thinking.

Hodge left Villa Park for Tottenham not long after the 1986 World Cup and knows that players often discuss club matters on international duty.

“Only James Milner can make up his mind where he wants to play his football next season.” said Hodge.

“But when you are away with England you do get talking to players about what it’s like at their clubs – it’s natural that you discuss that kind of thing.

“Milner might have had his head turned by someone like Gareth Barry who is already at Manchester City and that might tempt him.

“It becomes very difficult for a club and a player not to be tempted when one of the richer clubs comes along with big offers.”