Aston Villa’s double deal blocked

Manchester City have told Aston Villa that James Milner and Adam Johnson aren’t available on loan The Sun reports.

Boss Alex McLeish is interested in bringing the midfielder duo to the Midlands as he continues his rebuilding project at Villa Park.

The clubs have already done business this summer with Shay Given leaving the Etihad to join the Villans and McLeish enquired about the availability of former star Milner and Johnson during negotiations but was told they would be staying in Manchester.

Both are key to manager Roberto Mancini’s long-term plans and the Italian has insisted that neither will be leaving any time soon.

That hasn’t put Big Eck off making an approach especially as he still has money to spend from the sale of Ashley Young and Stewart Downing.

Competition is fierce in Manchester and the England midfielders will find it hard to secure a regular starting spot this season which could prompt them to look for a move elsewhere.

McLeish is determined to bolster his midfield and hasn’t given up on tempting City to part with the duo permanently.

25-year-old Milner only left Villa Park last summer in a £24 million deal while 24-year-old Johnson moved to Manchester from Middlesbrough for £6 million in February 2010.