Aston Villa should sell James Milner, says Tony Morley

Morley won the First Division title and European Cup in four years with Villa

Former Aston Villa winger Tony Morley says they should sell James Milner and use the money to ensure they stay in Champions League contention.

Villa have rejected a £20m offer from Manchester City for Milner, 24, but Morley believes an improved bid should be taken seriously.

"If I was the manager, I'd let him go," he told BBC WM.

"Is he unhappy? We don't know but if you can get £25m for an unhappy player, that might be worth considering."

If Milner does leave Villa Park, Morley thinks the Villa fans should not panic into thinking they are losing ground to their rivals for a top-four place next season.

I feel sorry for Martin O'Neill because everyone's expecting them to push into that top four but Tottenham are going to start spending money again as are Everton and Liverpool.

Villa legend Tony Morley

"Martin O'Neill deals in the transfer market at the last minute and I wouldn't worry about the Villa fans as he always comes up with some decent players," Morley said.

"I think it is going to be harder next season, because of the amount of money Manchester City are splashing about, other teams have to try and keep up with them but you've got to be realistic.

"I feel sorry for Martin because everyone's expecting them to push into that top four but Tottenham are going to start spending money again as are Everton and Liverpool."

Although Morley, who was part of Villa's victorious European Cup triumph in 1982, wants to see every area of the current side strengthened, he is quick to point out they are far from being in a weak position.

"Villa had the best defensive record in the Premier League up until they went to Chelsea and got beaten 7-1 so he [O'Neill] was doing something right," Morley said.

Morley also thinks 2010/11 could be the season that young striker Nathan Delfouneso's development is moved on a step by the Villa boss.

"I don't think Delfouneso is ready for a regular first team spot yet but I think what he's doing with him is right.

"I remember Ron Saunders used to do exactly the same with Gary Shaw - give him four or five games then leave him out then bring him back, and Gary went on to become one of Villa's greatest ever strikers."