Former Tottenham and Liverpool star Jamie Redknapp says Aston Villa must do all they can to keep hold of James Milner.

Milner is a big money target for Manchester City and Manchester United.

In his column for the Daily Mail, Redknapp wrote: "I can see why City might want to sign him from Aston Villa and what he brings to their team. He can fill a variety of positions but I'm not sure where he is most effective, or where he will eventually settle.

"The cost of buying Milner is expensive, but you sign at least three players for the price of one. He can play wide and crosses with accuracy and pace, an inswinger or an outswinger. This always seemed his natural position.

"He can play off the front, a role he will grow into with experience, like a Frank Lampard, or a Steven Gerrard, as a second striker, making full use of his range of powerful shooting and his movement. He can play in central midfield, a new position for him this season and one that has caught the eye, although I am unconvinced it is his best role.

"City must like what they have seen this season, but if you look at his performances in the big games, teams have set about him in that midfield role in a flat four, where he has been asked to defend and protect his back line.

"Villa lost 7-1 at Chelsea and Arsenal's Cesc Fabregas gave him a bit of a chasing at the Emirates. They are the games when you have to judge his merits as a top central midfielder. He can play there, I'm just not sure it is where you get the best out of him consistently.

"I can imagine Villa wanting to keep him, but sometimes an offer like this can be too good to refuse. He has developed into a better player under Martin O'Neill because £12m looked a lot of money when he signed from Newcastle two years ago."