Downing warning for Milner

Milner: Warned over City move

They're all going to be fighting for places. It's going to be hard and it will be hard for James if he goes there.

Stewart Downing believes Aston Villa team-mate James Milner will have a fight on his hands to get into the Manchester City side if he moves to Eastlands.

Milner was the subject of a failed bid in May from City, who are expected to step up their pursuit of the England midfielder.

City boss Roberto Mancini has bolstered his options across the middle by buying David Silva and Yaya Toure, and Villa winger Downing suggests that if Milner joins them he may not be a regular in the first team.

"It will be interesting to see what XI (Mancini) starts with because he's got that much quality in that squad," Downing said, according to The Guardian.

"They're all going to be fighting for places. It's going to be hard and it will be hard for James if he goes there.

"Will he play? I can't think how many midfielders they've got. I think that will be one of the decisions (that he has to consider): 'Do I want to go there and be a bit-part or stay here and play?'

"That's totally up to him. I am sure he's probably already made his decision."

Meanwhile, Villa goalkeeper Brad Friedel has praised United States coach Bob Bradley and claims it would be a "great move" if he came to work in English football.

Bradley has been linked with the vacant manager's post at Fulham, and although his current employers are determined to keep him, American shot-stopper Friedel says the 52-year-old coach has demonstrated impressive credentials.

"It would be a great move for Bob to get over here," Friedel told Sky Sports News.

"I think he did a really good job during the World Cup and also in qualifying.

"We should have qualified - although some of the games can be a little bit tricky - but I think he has done a decent job of finding some younger players."