Aston Villa have rejected an opening bid from Manchester City for midfielder James Milner.

City boss Roberto Mancini has kicked off what will undoubtedly be the fiercest domestic transfer fight of the summer by making an initial bid for the England World Cup hopeful.

However, Villa are determined to hold on to Milner and reiterated their desire to hold talks over a new long-term contract with the 24-year-old after the tournament.

A Villa spokesman said: "We have received an offer from Manchester City for James Milner and this has been firmly rejected.

"We plan to sit down with James and his representative after the World Cup to agree a new long-term deal and this remains our position."