EPL - City complete Milner deal

James Milner's move from Aston Villa to Manchester City has been finalised, with midfielder Stephen Ireland moving in the opposite direction.

The much-protracted transfer sees Milner arrive at Eastlands in a reported £18 million deal, plus the £8 million-rated Ireland, with the England midfielder likely to make his debut against Liverpool next Monday.

Milner had been a target for Roberto Mancini for some time and the City manager's continued pursuit of the 24-year-old was thought to have played a role in former Villa boss Martin O'Neill's recent departure from the club.

After completing a medical late on Tuesday, Milner was at City's training ground and stadium on Wednesday to finalise the deal, which sees him take the No.7 shirt previously worn by the departing Ireland.