James Milner has opened the door for a move to Aston Villa or Liverpool after handing in a transfer request at Newcastle."Newcastle can confirm that it has received a written transfer request from James Milner," a statement on the club's website read.
"The club is very disappointed that James sees his footballing future as away from St James' Park. He is a valued member of the squad and it is only a year ago that he signed an improved long-term contract.
"We have yet to receive an offer for James that has matched our valuation of him."
Martin O'Neill is understood to have failed with an initial offer for the 22-year-old and is now preparing an improved £9million offer for Milner, who spent the 2005-06 season on loan at Villa Park.
Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez has also been linked with a pre-deadline move for Milner, who signed a new four-year contract at St James' Park only last year.
